Olivier Horiot 2016 Cuvée 5 Sens

The Champagne

20% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 20% Arbanne, 20% Pinot Blanc: This organic champagne obviously has it all! This is due, in part, to the fact that the vines grow on clay-limestone soils in the vineyards in Les Riceys, which lends the champagne earthy and mineral aromas. The 2016 5 Sens wines ferment slowly on the lees in five barrels before being drawn into the bottle for the second fermentation. A Brut Nature, without dosage, powerful and full-bodied, though the nutty and yeasty flavors don’t hold back either. Fruity notes of apple and lemon also shine through. A straightforward champagne with an exciting assemblage. 

Tasting Note

• In the glass, a lemon yellow color with a fine perlage.
• Supreme minerality on the nose: yeast, wet chalk and ripeness. Lemon zest and ginger are no less present. They are joined, almost unnoticed, by salted caramel and brittle.
• On the palate, as on the nose, decidedly mineral. The yeast and minerality of this champagne is evident here, with aromas of apple, lemon and ginger emerging again and again. Althewhile, the 5 Sens remains true to its character: straightforward and uncomplicated.

Pair with

• This organic champagne is perfect as a food companion. Especially with fish, such as salmon, seafood or oysters. Will also go well after dinner, alongside a platter of mild or soft cheeses.

The Champagne House of Olivier Horiot

Olivier Horiot’s ancestors have been growing wine in Les Riceys since the 16th century and have traditionally passed it on to the cooperative. In 2000, the young winemaker’s house has been producing wine (not common in Champagne) and in 2004, he began the biodynamic production of Champagne. This resulted in a series of special vintage champagnes aged for a year in oak barrels on fine lees. Arguably the most notable feature of Olivier Horiots’ house is that the champagnes are made not only from the three usual grape varieties, but also from the far less common Arbanne, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Petit Meslier. Thus, the many burgundy barrels hidden in the cellar contain unique cuvées that produce champagnes with a special assemblage.