Henri Giraud
Champagne Argonne Ay Brut 2017
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | Chardonnay, Pinot Nero |
| Aging | Fermentation and maturation in Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone; refermentation on the lees (sur-lie) |
- Vintage and style: Brut 2017, classic method white sparkling wine with a dry and bold character
- Grapes and terroir: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards in Aÿ, Champagne, France
- Ageing: Second fermentation in the bottle and extended maturation on the lees
- Vinification: Use of Argonne oak barrels and terracotta or sandstone amphorae, with no steel
- Award and longevity: Rated 98/100 by James Suckling; ageing potential between 15 and 25 years
Description
What kind of wine is it
Champagne Henri Giraud Argonne Ay Brut is a captivating Traditional Method sparkling wine that fully expresses the character of its renowned region. This Brut is born from a meticulous blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grape varieties that give the wine a firm structure and refined harmony. Henri Giraud’s approach in the cellar focuses on maximising the expression of the fruit, completely excluding the use of steel tanks. On the nose, it reveals intense fruity aromas, skilfully intertwined with hints of brioche and delicate notes of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it is vibrant and powerful, offering a complex and persistent finish.
Where does it come from
The grapes for this label come from the renowned vineyards of the Grand Cru of Aÿ, an area famous for producing wines of remarkable concentration and energy. The Champagne designation guarantees a flavour profile of absolute recognisability, strongly linked to a dedicated terroir. The deep connection with the land is reflected in a taut and well-defined drink, capable of evolving magnificently over time. Thanks to an ageing potential estimated between fifteen and twenty-five years, this cuvée retains its freshness, making it ideal to accompany an entire meal.
How is it produced
Production follows a strict bottle refermentation according to the Traditional Method, combined with prolonged ageing on the lees, key elements in defining the taste consistency of the sparkling wine. Henri Giraud adopts a minimal intervention philosophy, relying exclusively on Argonne oak barrels for vinification, with targeted passages in terracotta or sandstone. This technical choice gives the Champagne pronounced depth, enhancing the dry character of the Brut. Served between 6 and 8 °C, it creates a harmonious pairing with elegant starters, cheese selections and dishes based on lean fish.
History and Curiosities
The excellence of Henri Giraud finds its highest expression in the prestigious Champagne Argonne Ay Brut 2017, created to enhance the unique energy of the Grand Cru terroir of Aÿ. This exceptional cuvée, awarded 98 points by James Suckling, is the result of minimal intervention winemaking that forgoes the use of steel in favour of fine Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone. The limited use of sulphites and ageing on the lees give the wine an authentic and powerful charm, ensuring extraordinary longevity estimated between 15 and 25 years.
Awards
-
2017
98/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
Bound to the dream of perfection and the freedom to innovate, we naturally create great wines that concentrate and transpose the energy of the terroir Ay Grand Cru.
Learning from the experience of history without fearing revolution, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines only reveal themselves in the heart of noble materials: Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone.
Without steel and with minimum intervention and sulphur, the creative and natural winemaking process brings the company's wines as close as possible to the truth of the terroir and grape varieties. As a result, the spirit of the winery cannot be defined, as each of the cuvées drives it. Read more
| Name | Henri Giraud Champagne Argonne Ay Brut 2017 |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | Chardonnay, Pinot Nero |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Henri Giraud |
| Story | History and Curiosities The excellence of Henri Giraud finds its highest expression in the prestigious Champagne Argonne Ay Brut 2017, created to enhance the unique energy of the Grand Cru terroir of Aÿ. This exceptional cuvée, awarded 98 points by James Suckling, is the result of minimal intervention winemaking that forgoes the use of steel in favour of fine Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone. The limited use of sulphites and ageing on the lees give the wine an authentic and powerful charm, ensuring extraordinary longevity estimated between 15 and 25 years. |
| Origin | Aÿ Grand Cru (Champagne), France |
| Production technique | Traditional method (bottle fermentation) with ageing on the lees (sur lie) |
| Wine making | Fermentation and ageing in Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone; minimal intervention vinification; limited use of sulphites; no stainless steel tanks used. |
| Aging | Fermentation and maturation in Argonne oak barrels, terracotta or sandstone; refermentation on the lees (sur-lie) |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |