Medi-Tasting with Champagne Henriot: In Touch with the Wonder of Wine

A glass of wine signals the anticipation of an old favorite or a new-to-me pour or the ability to travel to a wine region with each swirl and sip. I also look forward to a moment of relaxation as I simply “let the world go by”. The latter doesn’t happen enough, however. When I attend trade tastings, master class seminars, and other group events, I sip and spit, scribble tasting notes, and progress to the next wine. I enjoy each wine, but sometimes the experience is anything but tranquil. Fortunately, since I’ve learned about and practiced medi-tasting (with Champagne Henriot), my wine tasting experience has changed for the better.

Hosted by Champagne Henriot and featuring Elisha Goldstein, PH.D. and Co-Founder of the Center for Mindful Living, an intimate group of Chicago media and sommeliers engaged in “medi-tasting”, a practice of meditation applied to wine tasting. Held in a private room at Cindy’s Rooftop (with mesmerizing views of Lake Michigan), this experience brought new meanings and dimensions to the phrase “relax with a glass of wine”.

But what exactly is medi-tasting? Cool and calm, Elisha Goldstein explained that through medi-tasting, we’re able to “get in touch with the light in ourselves through an integration of mindfulness and tasting and an engaged curiosity”. All of us have issues with deadlines, time management, family and work issues, and more. In essence, “life is routine and routine is resistant to wonder”. We need to “create mastery in putting stress down”, he explained. Through medi-tasting, our wine tasting experience is enhanced and our senses are optimized. As he talked, everyone in the room appeared to unwind and realize that we were his perfect audience.

The Medi-Tasting Experience

After glasses of Champagne Henriot were poured, Elisha Goldstein asked us to pause and center ourselves for the experience. We were encouraged to hold a glass in our hand and notice the color and the bead of the bubbles. What are our thoughts, sensations or emotions? Next, feel the weight and temperature of the glass…then the weight of the Champagne on the tongue. Listen to the wine… how does it sound? (This is the first time I’ve ever held a glass of bubbly to my ear and honestly, it hasn’t been the last. You need to do this, too!) Ahhh, smell the wine. Breathe the aromas, relax, breathe again as you stay in tune with your body, emotions, and thoughts. Something all of us should do more often? Appreciate the wine. Consider the region, efforts of the grape growers and winemakers, the critical elements of the weather, and the environment of the cellar as the wine rests. Finally, taste! Let the sip of wine linger in the mouth and note its weight, texture, and feel. Pause then return to tasting as the descriptors are developed. As Elisha added, “give yourself permission to share your good moment with another – share the light within”. We were ready.

Medi-Tasting with Champagne Henriot

Champagne Henriot is one of the last remaining family owned houses in the region. With the 8^th generation at the helm and two hundred years of independence, this iconic producer sources grapes from mostly Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards.

Our first sip was Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blanc, NV, a glorious expression of 100% Chardonnay. As I followed all of the steps to medi-tasting, I discovered a fresh, full bodied wine that exuded minerality, toast, honey, and a lengthy finish with never-ending mousse (that sounded in my ear as bright and lively as the flavors on the palate). About 2/3 of the grapes are from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards and as I sipped, I contemplated the beauty of the region, vineyards, and challenges of grape growing.

The Champagne Henriot Cuve 38 “Perpetual Reserve”, 100% Chardonnay from all Grand Cru Vineyards, is considered the “quintessence of the Henriot style” and “the blood of the House”. Cuve 38 (Tank 38) was created in 1990 to have a tank devoted solely to four of the most prestigious Grand Cru Chardonnays from the Côte des Blanc: Chouilly, Avize, Oger, and Mesnil-sur-Oger. Since that time, a portion of the harvest is added to the tank in order to continue this process aptly named “Perpetual Reserve”. Only 1000 bottles are released each year and only in magnum form. As I sipped this wine, one that showed breadth and depth, complexity and aromatics, I appreciated the technique to craft this glorious wine… and the fact that it was shared with me.

Thought to be “one of the year’s best releases” is Champagne Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2005. Consisting of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir from 100% Grand Cru vineyards, luminous is just one of several descriptors. As an homage to Hemera, the Greek goddess of daylight, the wine is only produced in outstanding years. Elegant, fresh, and complex, the Hemera 2005 spent 12 years on the lees, a true example of how ageing will produce an exceptional wine.

Did I take my time engaging in the five senses and appreciating each magnificent glass of Champagne Henriot? Absolutely. Did the medi-tasting experience enhance each sip? Definitely. Isn’t it time for all of us get in touch with the wonder of wine?

Cheers! ~ Cindy