Romain Henin

History of Romain Henin

The story of Champagne Romain Henin is one of family transmission and a viticultural revolution led by Romain Henin. Born in Aÿ, into a fourth-generation winegrowing family, Romain earned his BTS in Viticulture-Oenology in Avize in 2011. He cut his teeth as cellar manager at Champagne Henri Giraud for two years, before joining the family estate in 2013. However, disagreements with his parents over viticultural practices led him to strike out on his own in 2015. In 2016, he acquired 1.20 hectares of vines in the AOC Champagne appellation on a tenancy basis and began a conversion to organic farming, officially recognized in 2017.

A decisive turning point came in 2018, when Romain spent the summer in Greece with his friend Jason Ligas and Patrick Bouju for the "Sous le Végétal" project. This experience strengthened his conviction to produce natural wines, without additives or sulfites. In 2021, his first cuvées, named "Gamins du Terroir", met with resounding success, and his estate obtained Bio and Demeter certifications. That same year, he took over the 7 hectares of the family estate in Aÿ and Mareuil-le-Port, which he converted entirely to biodynamics, phytotherapy and agroforestry. Renamed La Bulle Libre, this estate today symbolizes the freedom to create authentic champagnes in harmony with nature.

Terroirs and Vines of Romain Henin

The domaine de Romain Henin covers 7.5 hectares of vines spread across prestigious terroirs of Champagne. The plots include the Grands Crus of Aÿ and Chouilly, the Premiers Crus of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Dizy, as well as vines in the Vallée de la Marne, at Cerseuil and Troissy. This diversity of terroirs, predominantly clay-limestone, allows Romain Henin to cultivate the three iconic grape varieties of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Each variety expresses the aromatic richness of its soil, offering a unique palette for blending.

Committed to respectful viticulture, Romain favors natural ground cover and bans chemical products, using only copper, sulfur and plant-based preparations such as horsetail, yarrow and nettles. More than 100 fruit trees per hectare have been planted to enrich the ecosystem, in an agroforestry approach. Following the lunar calendar guides viticultural work, ensuring harmony with natural cycles. These practices, certified Bio and Demeter, aim to regenerate the soil and produce grapes of exceptional quality, faithful reflections of their terroir.

Romain Henin's Vinifications

Romain Henin's winemaking philosophy is based on minimal intervention to allow the purity of the fruit and the vintage to express itself. The grapes, harvested by hand, are pressed directly at the estate and transferred by gravity. Alcoholic fermentations take place with indigenous yeasts, without the addition of sulfites or additives. Each cuvée is aged for one year on lees in barrels, which imparts complexity and texture to the champagnes. No sulfiting, filtration or clarification is carried out, guaranteeing totally natural wines.

Romain Henin favors undosed and vintage champagnes, convinced that grapes harvested at perfect ripeness need no added sugar to achieve balance. This approach, combined with rigorous work in the cellar, produces champagnes of great digestibility, marked by a vibrant freshness and a distinctive minerality. With a confidential production of a few thousand bottles per year, each bottle is an artisan's work, sought after by connoisseurs the world over.

Romain Henin's Cuvées

Romain Henin offers a range of unique cuvées, each reflecting the authenticity of the terroir and the boldness of this winemaker. Here is an overview of the flagship champagnes available for purchase:

Gamins du Terroir

Romain's first iconic cuvée, launched in 2021, "Gamins du Terroir" embodies the free spirit of the estate. Sourced from organic and biodynamic plots, this vintage cuvée is vinified without additives or sulfites. Its aromas of fresh fruit, silky texture and mineral finish make it an unmissable champagne for natural wine lovers. Limited production of approximately 2,500 bottles per year.

L'Étang De Nos Souvenirs

The fruit of a collaboration between Romain and his father Pascal, this undosed Extra Brut cuvée blends 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir and 10% Pinot Meunier, sourced primarily from the 2021 harvest. Complemented by reserve wines, it offers pastry, red fruit and citrus notes, with a perfect balance between freshness and vinosity. Its label, illustrated by Arnaud Tartier, celebrates family transmission.

L'Odyssée Pétillante - Chapitre 1

This bold cuvée blends 50% Pinot Meunier, 40% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Vinified without sulfites, it captivates with its purity, digestibility and brilliant freshness. Its open and expressive aromas make it a free champagne, ideal for convivial moments.

Entre Les Gouttes

Born from the 2021 vintage, marked by difficult climatic conditions, this Brut Nature cuvée (60% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Meunier) is a masterpiece of concentration. With only 2,000 to 2,200 bottles produced, it reveals floral notes, a lively acidity and a mineral finish. A vibrant champagne, reflecting a clay-limestone terroir and an uncompromising vinification.

L'Appel de la Forêt

Produced with Pascal Henin from the 2015 harvest, this cuvée symbolizes the transition between father and son. Vintage and undosed, it expresses the elegance of the terroirs of Aÿ with complex aromas and a harmonious structure.

Micro-cuvées and Side Projects

Romain also explores coteaux champenois (MPQR) and micro-cuvées such as "La Trève" and "Les Jodins". A cider project, named "Korrigans", is underway, testament to his creativity and desire to innovate.

La Bulle Libre, under the direction of Romain Henin, redefines the art of champagne with natural, biodynamic cuvées deeply rooted in their terroir. This family estate, driven by an ecological vision and artisanal expertise, offers rare wines that captivate enthusiasts the world over. Whether you are looking for an exceptional champagne for a special occasion or a unique tasting experience, purchasing the wines of La Bulle Libre is an invitation to discover the authenticity and freedom of champagne. Explore our selection of cuvées at the best prices now and let yourself be carried away by the elegance and purity of Romain Henin's champagnes.