HenriGiraudArgonneAyGrandCruBrut2013

Champagne Henri Giraud is the oldest Champagne house still owned by its founding family the Giraud-Hémart family has farmed vines at Aÿ since 1625. However, it is only since current head Claude Giraud took over that the wines have been released under the family name. rrArgonne is a fusion between the vine and the forest, of these two great historical terroirs in Champagne the grapes from Aÿ and the oak barrels from the nearby Argonne forest, this cuvee is both fermented and aged in new wood for 15 months. This brings distinct toasty notes from the barrel combining with the power of the Pinot Noir red fruits. There is a powerful champagne a mix of spicy vanilla and bright concentrated Pinot fruit.rrWeather: In 2013, the growth cycle was delayed, with the vines flowering as late as July in some places due to the long winter and cool spring. Hailstorms caused some damage, but overall the summer was hot and dry. The weather turned wet towards mid-September, causing outbreaks of rot. The harvest was long and started late, on September 24th. However, most of the picking of the abundant yield (12,0008 kg/ha) took place in cool conditions in October thus contributing to a classic cool and linear style of Champagne. Taking into consideration the challenging season, the wines have positively surprised with their pure fruitiness, racy palates and stylish restraint. There is heterogeneity in the results, but the best belong to the Champagne elite. This vintage is greatly underrated and will likely become better appreciated over time, when the region’s most iconic wines are released.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Aÿ-ChampagnerGrape Varieties: 90% Pinot Noir | 10% ChardonnayrFermentation: Vinified and raised in new barrels from the Argonne Forest.rLees Ageing: 6 years rDisgorged: 15th December 2020rDosage: 6 g/lrProduction: 5000 BottlesrAlcohol: 12.5%rDrink:Now to 2040rrTasting Note: Unwinding in the glass with aromas of tarte tatin, apricot, honeycomb, nutmeg, brioche and spices. Full-bodied, vinous and intensely concentrated, it’s layered and elegantly structured, with vivid acidity and a dry, racy finish