Henri Giraud Aÿ Grand Cru MV18 NV
An ancient vinegrowing family in Aÿ and now a small house known for its sumptuous MV cuvée
Grape Makeup:
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
3+ years
Price:
$$$
Cellar:
5-10 years
Category:
Collectible
Photos
What
An ancient vinegrowing family in Aÿ – current proprietor Claude Giraud is the 12th generation – that produces plush, generous pinot-dominant champagnes at their boutique house, producing a mere 250,000 bottles a year and known for the prestige cuvée MV
Where
Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne; 10 hectares estate vineyards, primarily pinot noir on chalk soils, with access to another 15 hectares; MV comes exclusively from Aÿ.
Why
The luscious, oak-laden cuvée formerly called Fût de Chêne is now merely marked “MV,” but retains its style. Fermentation and ageing take place in terracotta and concrete eggs or small casks made from Argonne forest oak (stainless steel has been banished from the winery since 2016). Every tree felled for a barrel is replaced by a newly planted sapling at Giraud’s behest. A third of the blend comes from a perpetual reserve dated to 1990 and the 2018 MV also takes advantage of the vintage’s incredible ripeness and density.
What else
The ultra-luxe, ultra-boutique Manoir Henri Giraud is the new project of Claude Giraud, who recently retired as winemaker. It offers 5 unique bedrooms and a cleverly-named treatment “Craÿothérapie,” which uses the local chalk for mud wraps, as well as forest bathing in the Argonne forest where the house’s oak barrels are sourced.
Tasting Notes
Very nutty and gourmand with cinnamon buns, cannelé, cola and fresh ginger, the palate picks up where the nose stopped, with continued plushness but with a very fine acidity that amplifies as it reaches the midpalate. Tannins are quite textural and firm, further helping create a structure to contain all the boldness of the aromas. Fruit is dried orange in tone, satisfyingly bitter and edging on salty. It is fairly nutty to finish, but appealingly so.
Try It With
Rich meaty dishes that meld well with sweet caramelised sauces.
When To Drink
After dinner.
Perfect For
The friend who thinks Krug has gotten too skinny.
Tatler Tip
The staple closure on the cork looks quite intimidating but each bottle actually comes with a designated tool, dégrafeur, for opening the bottle. If you happen to lose it, you can use the handle of any thin, flat utensil (most forks work well).
TL/DR
Gourmand, rich and luxuriant.
Supplier
Telford International Company Limited
