Henkell Freixenet brings whistle-stop sparkling tour to Wine Paris
The world’s leading manufacturer of sparkling wines will show off classic styles – as well as a couple of curveballs – in Wine Paris next week.
Henkell Freixenet has revealed the lineup for its masterclass, taking place at Wine Paris on Tuesday of next week. Led by Eberhard Benz, chief technical officer at the company, and Patrick Schmitt MW, editor-in-chief of the drinks business, the lineup promises a diverse selection of styles, production methods and regions.
The three best-known appellations for sparkling wine – Prosecco, Champagne and Cava – are represented by some of the group’s core wineries.
Prosecco producer Mionetto will have two wines on show. Mionetto Prosecco DOC Brut Prestige represents its most classic range of wines. Mionetto Prosecco Morona de Gastaldis Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Brut, meanwhile, offers a taste of the more rigorous denomination that is helping to drive premiumisation in the category.
Champagne Alfred Gratien is flying the flag for the French fine wine region. Its Clos le Village Premier Cru 2018 is sourced from a walled vineyard in the premier cru village of Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne and uses 100% Meunier for the expression.
One of the wine world’s most recognised brands represents Cava in the tasting: Freixenet Cava Cordon Negro. In an unusual move, however, it is a magnum-aged sampling, allowing the Cava a maturation process more commonly associated with Champagne.
A little further of the beaten track, the Cuvée Flamme d’Or 2017 from Gratien Meyer represents Henkell Freixenet’s Crémant de Loire production. The cuvée is produced only in the best years, and released much later than is usual for the appellation.
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Crossing the Atlantic, Gloria Ferrer’s Carneros Cuvée 2015 showcases the Californian producer, whose range includes a significant selection of Sonoma back vintages.
Finally, with a nod to one of the wine trade’s most important trends, Fürst von Metternich Riesling Alcohol-Free will evidence Henkell Freixenet’s investment in no and low alcohol options.
An expertly curated selection
The tasting, spanning the company’s portfolio, builds on more than 150 years of experience in sparkling wine production. The company has grown to such an extent that Henkell Freixenet now accounts for almost 10% of the global sparkling wine market by value.
Guiding attendees through the selection at Wine Paris will be Eberhard Benz, who is vice chairman, chief technical officer and an executive committee member at Henkell Freixenet. A trained oenologist, he has more than 30 years of experience in producing sparkling wines. In recent years, he has been at the forefront of the group’s innovation in alcohol-free production.
He will be joined by Patrick Schmitt MW, editor-in-chief of the drinks business. Schmitt’s career in journalism has taken him all over the world and provided opportunities to explore diverse styles, but sparkling wine is a particular speciality of his. He completed his MW dissertation on dosage in Champagne, and every year serves as chair of judges for The Global Sparkling Masters, The Champagne Masters and The Prosecco Masters.
Between its expert presenters and Henkell Freixenet’s extensive portfolio, the masterclass aims to present the diversity, techniques and terroirs that power the global sparkling wine market.
A Sparkling Experience takes place in Hall 4, Room 2 at Wine Paris at 1pm on Tuesday 10 February. Entrance is free, and on a first come, first seated basis.
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