HenriGiraudArgonneAyGrandCruBrut2016

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 fermented and aged in new, tight-grained, oak barrels from the nearby Argonne forest. Sébastien Le Golvet selects the tree to be felled based on its exposure to the sun and its potential to marry with the wine that will ferment in it. 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: The 2016 vintage was not without its challenges. There was frost in late spring and very low temperatures in the vineyards, followed by a wet May, June and July, which increased the threat of disease. Thankfully August was warm and dry, which saved the crop, and harvest began on schedule in September. Fruit-forward, lush wines with vibrant acidity.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 February 2023rDosage: 6 g/lrProduction: 5000 BottlesrAlcohol: 12.5%rDrink:Now to 2050rrTasting Note: Evoking aromas of apricot, mirabelle, licorice, anise, ripe orchard fruits and spices, it’s full-bodied, rich and vinous, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit and sappy acids, concluding with a long, penetrating, racy finish enhanced by aromas of gentian and sweet spices.- Tasted by Yohan Castaing