It is the imperative of a discerning host to ensure their guests’ glasses are always filled. But rather than reaching for any old bubbles (quelle horreur!), ensure you make an impression with a refined champagne that will have your guests talking – for the right reasons.

To elevate your summer soiree, we recommend reaching for Penfolds’ Cuvée Brut NV, sold exclusively at Waitrose. The iconic 181-year-old South Australian winemaking house, renowned for its time-honoured tradition of sourcing the finest fruit from the best regions, has built upon its partnership with family-owned French champagne house Thiénot for the latest release in a five-strong champagne series.

Ce champagne, élaboré à partir d’un assemblage de 45 % de pinot noir, 35 % de pinot meunier et 20 % de chardonnay issus de vignobles réputés de la région champenoise, allie l’élégance du terroir français au style maison emblématique de Penfolds, pour un apéritif estival par excellence. Frais et vif, il dévoile des effluves de lys, de camomille et de seringat, qui laissent place au yuzu et à de subtiles notes de fruits à coque grillés et de pomme cannelle. En bouche, une palette de saveurs éclatantes évoque la tarte au citron meringuée, la pastille à la framboise et le nougat.

À propos de cette cuvée, Peter Gago, chef de cave de Penfolds, a déclaré : « Dans le sillage des grands crus parcellaires Thiénot x Penfolds Avize Blanc de Blancs 2012, 2013 et 2014 et Aÿ Blanc de Noirs 2012, 2013 et 2014, ce champagne particulièrement séduisant est idéal à l’apéritif. Le lancement de cette première Cuvée sans année suscite la curiosité et renforce l’attrait du champagne rosé sans année commercialisé précédemment. »

Penfolds’ enduring passion for sparkling wine dates back to the early 1900s, when Frank Penfold Hyland acquired the Minchinbury winery on the outskirts of Sydney and began experimenting with sparkling whites and reds. All these years later, the company takes great pride in its collaboration with Champagne Thiénot, which is now in its sixth year.

Today’s champagnes are brought to life under the expertful guidance of Gago, in conjunction with Thiénot chef de cave Nicolas Uriel and managing director Stanislas Thiénot. Of this fruitful symbiosis Stanislas says, “Since the beginning of our partnership, we consistently create blends reflective of both Thiénot’s and Penfolds’ wine styles and philosophies. Our champagnes are modern reflections showcasing fruit, freshness, and finesse.”

Whether you’re throwing a big bash or hosting an intimate dinner party, Penfolds’ Cuvée Brut NV is the champagne of the summer and deserves to be savoured. Penfolds may have recently celebrated its 180th birthday, but as this NV demonstrates, the winemaker continues to push boundaries and experiment with multi-regional approaches, all while staying true to its iconic red stamp.

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