Henri Giraud Aÿ Rouge Grand Cru 2018 (0.75 L Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Henri Giraud is a prestigious family-owned Champagne estate based in Aÿ, with winemaking traditions tracing back to the 17th century. Since launching their own bottlings in 1990 under Claude Giraud (12th generation), they are renowned for biodynamic viticulture and aging their wines in Argonne oak barrels. Producing both refined Champagnes and limited red still wines from Aÿ, their Aÿ Rouge Grand Cru epitomizes the estate’s dedication to terroir expression and low-intervention crafts  .

Producer and Wine Maker

Raised by Claude Giraud’s vision and carefully crafted by cellar chief Frédéric Mestelan, this cuvée is vinified and aged on lees for 15 months. The winemaking team employs whole-cluster fermentation, minimal intervention, and oak aging to capture the purity and character of old-vine Pinot Noir ().

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from very old small-vine Pinot Noir blocks situated on steep, southeast-facing, chalk-rich slopes of Aÿ Grand Cru. The region’s cool continental climate moderated by the Marne River promotes slow ripening with intense natural acidity. The vineyards are certified “Triple Zero”—no pesticide, no insecticide, no fungal treatments  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

Hand-harvested fruit is fermented whole-cluster, then aged on lees for 15 months in oak, without herbicides or fining. This method enhances texture, savory complexity, and structure, producing a wine with finesse yet concentration  .

Tasting Notes

Purple-black core with ruby rim. Aromas of wild blueberries, raspberries, violets, thyme, pine, potpourri, orange zest, cloves, and slate. Medium-bodied, with chalky tannins; elegant yet structured. Flavors layer cool berries and wild herbs, finishing with persistent spice and energy  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal with game terrines, roast poultry with berry sauces, veal liver with raspberries, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Its vibrant fruit and structured tannins match rich, savory dishes beautifully  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 15–17 °C in a Burgundy-style glass to highlight aromatics. Decanting for 30 minutes helps open its layered profile. Enjoy upon release through peak drinking window.

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkable from 2021; potential to age gracefully until 2035 with proper cellaring conditions (12–14 °C, dark, stable humidity)  .

Grape Varietals & percentage used

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

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 13.5% (typical for Pinot Noir from Champagne’s still wines).

Scores

• 94 – Vinous (noted for elegance and luxurious style) 

• 93 – James Suckling: “Aromatic and seductive nose… fine, chalky tannins… elegant, yet firm and structured…”