Henri Giraud Argonne 2014 (Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Henri Giraud, established in Aÿ in the 17th century, is a standout family-owned Champagne house renowned for biodynamic viticulture and fermenting exclusively in Argonne oak barrels. The Argonne series, launched in 2005, celebrates the terroir of the Argonne Forest with each vintage produced in extremely limited quantities and encased in oak gift boxes crafted from the same forest itself  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Under Claude Giraud and cellar-master Sébastien Le Golvet, the 2014 base wine was fermented and aged entirely in new Argonne oak barrels and enriched with solera reserve. The philosophy focuses on low sulfur, natural yeasts, and oak integration to convey purity and textural harmony  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Sourced from southeast-facing Grand Cru vineyards in Aÿ with chalk-rich soils beside the Marne River, this vineyard benefits from a cool continental climate with diurnal shifts. Biodynamic farming promotes fruit purity and balanced acidity  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine underwent primary fermentation and one year of barrel aging in new Argonne oak. After blending with solera reserve, it aged further on lees en tirage for several years before disgorgement and gift-box presentation  .

Tasting notes

Pale gold with fine mousse. Aromas of lemon confit, mint, spice, pastry, and French oak. The palate is structured, elegant, with crushed almond, brown butter, apricot, praline, white chocolate, sage, and saline mineral finish. Vibrant, phenolic, yet supple  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs excellently with shellfish such as lobster, crab, oysters, sushi, and soft cheeses. Its citrus energy and fine mousse highlight richness and texture.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve well chilled at 8–10 °C in a tulip or quality white-wine glass to showcase clean aromatics, oak nuance, and refined texture. No decanting required.

Storage and Aging Potential

Already complex, this vintage will continue to evolve beautifully through 2040, thanks to oak structure, acidity, and mineral tension. Ideal cellaring at 12–14 °C with stable humidity  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

~90% Pinot Noir · ~10% Chardonnay 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12–12.5% ()

Scores

• 98 – James Suckling

• 96 – Wine Spectator

• 96 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)