NV Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie

Crafted predominantly from the 2021 vintage and augmented by approximately 33% wine from a perpetual reserve established in 1995, Giraud’s NV Blanc de Craie is sourced from the villages of Aÿ and Louvois. The most recent release was disgorged in July 2024 with a dosage of five grams per liter. Aromatically, it evokes notes of lemon tart, ripe pear and anise, mingling with spring flowers. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, racy and linear, with a pillowy mousse and a long, saline finish. The wine was vinified entirely in barrels ranging from one to six years of age.

What an aromatic and expressive chardonnay this is, and it’s also a rich and very sensual Blanc de Blancs champagne! The toasted-hazelnut, candied-citrus, vanilla and toast aromas remind me of maturing, high-end white Burgundy, as does the very long, silky finish. A cuvée based on the 2016 vintage with a generous dose of perpetual reserve (solera system), founded in 1990. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The NV Brut Blanc de Craie is a new wine in Claude Giraud's range, made, as the name implies, from vineyards chalk-rich soils. Green pear, mint, white pepper and sweet floral notes all grace the palate in an open-knit, expressive Champagne meant to be enjoyed upon release. The 7 grams of dosage gives the wine lovely textural depth, creaminess and also a bit of perceptible sweetness. This is very nicely done. Disgorged October 16, 2016.