Henri Giraud Aÿ Rouge Grand Cru 2018 (Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Henri Giraud is a distinguished, family-led Champagne estate in Aÿ, tracing its roots back to the 17th century. Though primarily known for its biodynamic Champagnes, it also crafts rare, high-quality still red wines. Utilizing deep limestone–chalk soils and old-vine Pinot Noir, Henri Giraud champions terroir expression through minimal intervention and sustainable practices—embodied in their “Triple Zero” philosophy (no pesticide, insecticide, or fungicide)  .

Producer and Wine Maker

The estate is helmed by Claude Giraud, with cellar chief Frédéric Mestelan overseeing vinification. This cuvée, vinified entirely with whole clusters and aged on lees, reflects a precise, artisan approach aimed at capturing both purity and structure ().

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes come from old-vine Pinot Noir planted on southeast-facing, chalk-rich slopes in Aÿ Grand Cru. The cool continental climate, moderated by the Marne River, ensures slow ripening and natural acidity. These factors, combined with strict terroir stewardship, yield balanced, expressive fruit  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Hand-harvested fruit undergoes whole-cluster fermentation, without herbicides or fining. The wine matures for approximately 15 months on lees in oak barrels, integrating both structure and nuanced wood influence while maintaining freshness  .

Tasting Notes

Medium-bodied with a purple-black core, the wine reveals aromas of wild blueberries, raspberries, violets, thyme, pine, potpourri, orange zest, cloves, and slate. The palate is supported by chalky tannins, elegant structure, and layered cool berry fruits with wild herb nuance  .

Food & Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with game terrines, roast poultry (especially with berry sauces), veal liver with raspberries, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses—its balance of vibrant fruit and structured tannins complement both savory and earthy dishes  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 15–17 °C in a Burgundy-style glass to highlight aromatics and texture. Decant for ~30 minutes to allow the wine’s complexity to shine.

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinking window from 2021 to 2035 with proper cellaring (12–14 °C, dark, stable humidity). The wine offers both immediate pleasure and potential for graceful development ().

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100% Pinot Noir (from old-vine Grand Cru blocks) ().

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

11% (as noted on Vivino)  .

Scores

• 93 – James Suckling: “Aromatic and seductive… elegant, yet firm and structured…” (tasted Jun 2022) 

• 92 – Vinous (cited by sales listing)