Champagne Henri Giraud
Blanc de Craie

The Champagne Blanc de Craie by Henri Giraud is an elegant Blanc de Blancs, made exclusively from Chardonnayselected from vineyards located in the Vallée de la Marne and the Montagne de Reims, with a significant percentage (55%) coming from the prestigious Grand Cru of Aÿ. The name “Blanc de Craie” refers to the high chalk content in the soils of these areas, an element that imparts minerality and concentration to the wine.

The vinification takes place in oak barrels from the historic Argonne forest and cement eggs, a process that enhances the structure and complexity of the Champagne, giving it extraordinary depth. The aging continues for about six months in the same containers, allowing the wine to develop balance and harmony.

When tasted, the Blanc de Craie presents itself with a bright straw yellow color, enriched by golden reflections, and a fine and persistent perlage. On the nose, the aromatic profile stands out with elegant floral notes, hints of stone fruit, exotic fruit, and fresh citrus nuances, with predominant lemon, grapefruit, and a delicate touch of pineapple. On the palate, it surprises with its freshness and minerality, featuring a broad and enveloping structure. The finish is long and refined, enhanced by a perfect balance between tension, creaminess, and aromatic complexity.

A Blanc de Blancs Champagne of great character, combining finesse and intensity, an authentic expression of the terroir and the unmistakable style of Maison Henri Giraud.

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.