Champagne Henri Giraud
Argonne 2016

The Champagne Argonne 2016 by Henri Giraud embodies the cuvée de prestige of the Maison, a perfect synthesis of the excellence of the Aÿ Grand Cru terroir and the mastery of oak vinification.

This cuvée is composed of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, sourced from selected parcels such as “Les Valnons” and “Croix Courcelles”, in the heart of the prestigious Aÿ Grand Cru. The alcoholic fermentation takes place in new oak barrels from the historic Argonne forest, followed by one year of aging in the same barrels and an additional seven years on the lees in the bottle.

Upon tasting, Argonne 2016 stands out for its aromatic bouquet, which opens with refined notes of vineyard peach, evolving into hints of dried fruit, sweet spices, orange blossom, and cocoa. On the palate, the entry is tense and vibrant, followed by a creamy and enveloping texture, enriched with nuances of ripe fruit and a distinct minerality, a hallmark of the Aÿ terroir.

A wine of great power and elegance, characterized by a lively citrus freshness, with notes of blood orange, grapefruit, dried flowers, and spices, delivering a complex and harmonious tasting experience.

Champagne Henri Giraud

The Maison Henri Giraud boasts an illustrious history that dates back to 1628, when the Hémart family settled in Aÿ, one of the most prestigious Grand Cru of the Vallée de la Marne. At the beginning of the 20th century, the marriage between Léon Giraud and Madeleine Hémart marked a new era for the Maison, with the reconstruction of vineyards devastated by phylloxera and the consolidation of the family tradition. Today, the winery is led by the thirteenth generation with Emmanuelle Giraud, a direct descendant of the founder, who continues to uphold the legacy of excellence and savoir-faire.

The vineyards of the Maison extend across the communes of Aÿ, Dizy, and Mutigny, with a predominance of Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay, both cultivated using sustainable methods to preserve the balance of the terroir. One of the Maison’s distinctive aspects is the use of oak barrels from the Argonne forest for the fermentation and aging of each cuvée, a technique reintroduced in the 1990s, which gives the Champagne depth, complexity, and structure. The wood, used with precision, enhances the nuances of each wine without ever overpowering its purity and elegance.

The philosophy of Henri Giraud is based on a balance between tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Committed to biodiversity and environmental protection, the Maison has launched several initiatives, including collaboration with the French National Forestry Office (ONF) in the “Forever & Ever, Argonne” project, dedicated to the reforestation of the historic forest from which the oak for its barrels is sourced. This commitment, combined with a constant pursuit of quality, makes Henri Giraud one of the most prestigious Champagne Maisons, a symbol of excellence and innovation.