The 5 Senses of Champagne Olivier Horiot
A journey of the five elements through soulful champagne artistry of Olivier Horiot.
In many spiritual and religious traditions, the number "5" symbolizes balance, harmony, and the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). This is Olivier and his wife Marie’s interpretation of the number 5 his “5 Sens Brut Nature”
Olivier Horiot Champagne is a seven generation #growerproducer champagne located in the village of Ricey-sur-Armançon, Côte des Bar with Kimmeridgian limestone soils similar to those found in Chablis and Sancerre, which contribute to the wines’ distinctive character except Pinot Noir is the supreme ruler in this region.
Olivier Horiot took over the estate from his father Serge in 1999 and immediately converted it to organic and biodynamic farming practices. He works with seven grape varieties, including the three Champagne classics (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier) as well the lesser utilized Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. They vinify 2 hectares for their champagnes and sell the remaining grapes to cooperatives and négociants.
Horiot prefers to ferment his base wines in a combination of used oak barrels and stainless steel tanks and no malolactic fermentation. The dosage is kept as low as possible, or even omitted. He favors long lees ageing to develop the complexity of his champagnes.
Olivier and Marie’s champagnes tell a story - this one in particular a story of the number 5 - 5 grape varieties, 5 terroirs, 5 barrels blended together, 5 years sur lie and the intertwining of nature’s 5 elements.
5 grapes : equal amounts of Arbane, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay
5 Terroirs : a blending of 5 different parcels des Riceys
5 Fûts: Each variety is vinified separately in oak barrels on the lees for about a year, blended and then aged in bottle for 5 years on the lees
5 Elements: encompass the five elements as Water, Air, Earth, Fire and Spirit.
Date Bottled: 23/08/2017 Disgorged: 22/06/2022
Olivier Horiot Champagne Brut Nature 5 Sens 2016
Pours into the glass a pale gold with shimmering, persistent bubbles. A crown of fine mousse sits delicately atop the surface, hinting at the meticulous craftsmanship within.
An initial surge of vibrant citrus awakens the senses - lemon zest, grapefruit, and a whisper of yuzu dance in the air. As the wine breathes, deeper layers emerge - warm brioche, toasted almonds and honeyed orchard fruits mingle with a pronounced minerality, reminiscent of wet chalk and crushed seashells. A touch of ginger and white pepper add an intriguing touch of spice. The attack is refreshingly crisp, driven by a vibrant acidity that cuts through the rich, creamy texture. The mid-palate unfolds with an intricate tapestry of flavors - ripe white peach, Granny Smith apple, and a touch of quince mingle with the nutty nuances of brioche and hazelnut. The minerality intensifies on the palate, adding a refreshing salinity that keeps the sip lively. The bubbles are fine and persistent, creating a delicate mousse that caresses the tongue. Lengthy elegance on the finish with a crescendo of citrus and a lingering minerality that dances on the palate. A hazelnut and subtle kick of bitter grapefruit pith.
Make it stand out
A truly special champagne that envelopes the five senses with its seduction and intrigue. I am so happy to have snagged one of the very small release of 1,320 bottles & 86 magnums of this edition.
Paired with laughter, family and bubbly holiday vibes.
