Penfolds’ partnership with family-owned champagne house Thiénot yields its latest offering, the fresh and lively Cuvée Brut NV, that is perfect for a convivial season
No year-end festive revelry would be complete without the finest flutes of bubbly to commemorate past achievements and the promise of new ones. For a bottle that evokes just that, champagne lovers will do well to pop Penfolds’ Cuvée Brut NV. Created in collaboration with family-owned French champagne house, Thiénot, and released in conjunction with Penfolds’ 180th anniversary this year, the Cuvee Brut NV is emblematic of time-honoured ties, craftsmanship and good tidings to come.
One of the world’s most iconic winemaking houses, Penfolds was founded in 1844 in South Australia and soon gained global stature as a symbol of quality and innovation in viticulture. Penfolds’ passion for sparkling wine began in the early 1900s, when it acquired the Minchinbury winery located on the outskirts of Sydney, and has continued to grow and evolve ever since. This is evinced by its partnership with Champagne Thiénot, a French house that was established by Alain Thiénot in 1985, which Penfolds has been collaborating with since 2019.
What makes Penfolds’ creations truly distinctive is its unwavering commitment to quality, embodied by its renowned House Style. Since its beginnings in 1844, Penfolds’ winemaking philosophy has remained unbound by country, vine or time. This approach allows Penfolds to source the best grapes from revered regions around the world, bringing quality wines to consumers globally.
The House Style—developed and perfected over 180 years—acts as a signature, guiding Penfolds’ winemakers to blend wines that express the terroir while staying true to the iconic Penfolds ‘red stamp’. Through this multi-regional sourcing approach, Penfolds is able to achieve extraordinary wines that transcend borders, offering a world of choice while retaining an authentic, recognisable character.
Central to this partnership is a philosophy of unyielding dedication to quality and innovation shared by both Penfolds and Thiénot. Penfolds’ new Cuvée Brut NV is a testament to this ethos. A refined non-vintage cuvee, it combines the elegance of French terroir with Penfolds’ renowned House Style, blending 45 per cent pinot noir, 35 per cent pinot meunier and 20 per cent chardonnay from some of the Champagne region’s most sought-after vineyard sites, including the Grand Cru vineyards of Aÿ and Avize.
“The Penfolds Cuvee Brut NV is such an appealing champagne and the perfect aperitif offering. It adds to the allure of our earlier-released non-vintage rose champagne,” expresses Penfolds’ chief winemaker, Peter Gago.
A sophisticated symphony of floral and citrus notes, Cuvée Brut NV greets the nose with vibrant white petals, yuzu orange and subtle hints of roasted nuts. The palate is equally captivating, weaving flavours of lemon meringue, raspberry pastille and nougat into an effervescent experience that’s both lively and complete.
“Since the beginning of our partnership, we consistently create blends reflective of both Thiénot and Penfolds wine styles and philosophies. Our champagnes are modern reflections showcasing fruit, freshness and finesse,” adds Stanislas Thiénot, managing director of Champagne Thiénot.
Whether savoured this season or cellared for future celebrations, Penfolds’ Cuvée Brut NV is crafted for moments that matter. This champagne adds to Penfolds’ impressive portfolio of bubblies, underscoring its standing as a producer committed to excellence across continents. With every sip, it’s clear that Penfolds’ legacy is only growing stronger—adding French refinement to its storied heritage.
This story first appeared in the December 2024 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
