With roots in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ and the oak forest of Argonne since 1625, Henri Giraud is the oldest family-owned Champagne house in existence. Their wines are some of the rarest and most sought after on the planet.
Their luxury MV 20 Fut de Chêne cuvée is a ‘fabulous’ (Vinous) blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with two-thirds of the blend from the 2020 vintage and one third from the perpetual reserve started in 1990. ‘Full-bodied and textural’ (Wine Advocate) yet ‘racy and classy’ (Vinous), the finesse and depth of flavour are unreal.
With only 660 bottles made and one case of it here in South Africa, Henri Giraud’s crown jewel is their Argonne Aÿ Grand Cru Brut Rosé 2014. The wine’s energy and aura are palpable, receiving a well-deserved 99 points from James Suckling. Lots of spice, orange peel, pear and plum lead into a full-bodied, elegant, long finale with fine acidity. This is the first time we’ve received an allocation of this special wine, and we’re delighted to share it with you.
The village of Aÿ is situated in the foothills of Montagne de Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region. Henri Giraud bore witness to the royal preference centuries ago and they continue to enjoy high demand for their rich, muscular Pinot Noir-based Champagnes, which are aged exclusively in oak from the nearby Argonne Forest.
Tasting Notes:
Henri Giraud MV20 Fût de Chêne Aÿ Grand Cru Brut NV
‘A wild energy here with sliced dried apricots, lychees, Asian pears and iodine. Chalk. Medium-bodied, it has a very tight palate with elegance and structure. Extremely long and polished. Pinot noir with a dash of chardonnay. Aged 11 months in 50% old and 50% new wood barrels. Dosage 5 g/L. Disgorged November 2024. Drink or hold.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 97/100
‘The MV 20 is fabulous. It’s not an obvious wine but rather a Champagne built on finesse and understatement more than anything else. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and chalk open first, followed by light tropical accents that appear with a bit of time in the glass. This is such a racy, classy Champagne. Disgorged: October 30, 2024.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95/100
Henri Giraud Argonne Aÿ Grand Cru Brut Rosé 2014
‘You feel an incredible energy here with an aura from the pristine champagne. Spices, menthol, dried peaches, subtle pie crust and hints of rust. Medium-bodied with a focused center palate, a long, long finish and zingy acidity with a hint of wrought iron and balsamic at the end. Unique. Disgorged March 2022. Drink or hold. 660 bottles made.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 99/100
