Henri Giraud Argonne Rosé 2012 (Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Henri Giraud is a family-owned Champagne house in Aÿ, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Under the leadership of Claude Giraud, it’s one of the few estates in Champagne to blend biodynamic viticulture with Argonne oak barrel fermentation. The Argonne series started in 2005 to honor the forest’s terroir and the estate’s Grand Cru lineage, with barrel staves hand-selected from specific Argonne forest sectors to match vineyard terroirs. The Rosé is a flagship vintage release crafted in extremely limited quantities. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Currently headed by Claude Giraud and cellar-master Sébastien Le Golvet, this vintage Rosé was produced from 2012 Petit Champagne base wines and Argonne solera reserve. The must underwent fermentation and aging in new Argonne oak barrels selected for their specific forest section origin, emphasizing textural complexity, freshness, and low sulfur to reflect terroir. Only about 800 bottles were produced. ()

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come exclusively from Grand Cru Aÿ vineyards on southeast-facing chalk slopes, adjacent to the Marne River. The continental Champagne climate—cool with diurnal variation—and biodynamic farming foster even ripening, crisp acidity, and concentration. The woodland oak’s influence is intentionally matched to this terroir, enhancing minerality and elegance in the wine. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Hand-harvested grapes were fermented and matured in new Argonne oak barrels for around 12 months, followed by integration of existing solera reserve starting in 1990. The blend contains 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Post-blending, the wine was bottle-aged sur lie before disgorgement and presentation in a wood gift box. 

Tasting notes

Pale copper hue with ultra-fine bubbles. The nose delivers dried orange peel, grapefruit, rose petal, white pear, peach, white pepper, five-spice, and rustic mineral tones. The palate is textured and vibrant—hinting at oyster-shell salinity, spice and savory citrus—finishing long and intellectual. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with pressed quail and foie gras, soft-shell crab, lobster, oysters, and strawberry pavlova. Its salinity, fine bubbles, and spice profile suit both rich and delicate dishes. ()

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve well-chilled at 8–10 °C in a tulip or white-wine glass. No decanting needed; open shortly before serving to allow the aromatics to reveal themselves.

Storage and Aging Potential

Released in mid‑2023, the 2012 gift-boxed Argonne Rosé is drinking well now and will continue evolving gracefully through approximately 2035 when cellared at around 12–14 °C with stable humidity. 

Grape Varietals & percentage used

90% Pinot Noir · 10% Chardonnay 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12% ()

Scores

• 100 – James Suckling 

• 96 – Wine Spectator 

• 97 – Wine Advocate