Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut N.V.
(Ay, Champagne, France) - [JS 95] [WA 93] [TWI 91]

About the Winery:

The origins of Champagne Henri Giraud go back to 1625. Contemporary of Henri IV and his descendants, the Hémart family settled permanently in Aÿ at the beginning of the 17th century. Its history rooted in Aÿ, terroir of exception, and intimately mixed with the extraordinary epic of champagne from the 18th century. Claude Giraud, 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family, today presides over the destiny of this Champagne House.

Notes from the Winemaker:

Sparkling with beautiful mineral bitterness, The Esprit Nature Brut pushes the door of the great wines of Champagne, while its incomparable fruit invites shared pleasure. On the eyes, a beautiful golden and blond reflections. On the nose, notes of stone fruits (pear, peach), vanilla and spices (white pepper) on a base of candied lemon which gives it freshness. Then come maturity and gluttony. The attack is fresh and then discreet and lets the overall vinosity express itself. The body, the very fullness make the structure of this wine. Minerality and light tannins contribute to a long, vinous, warm and silky astringent final structure with bitter almond and biscuit aromas.

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points - James Suckling:
"The creamy texture is so enticing on the palate, because it intentionally has slightly less bubbles, with light strawberry and brioche and a hint of tangerine. Medium body with a pretty core of fruit and a fine, velvety finish. Base wine all fermented in barrel. 30% reserve wine and the base is 2020. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Drink now." (July 2024)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Based on the 2020 vintage, the NV Brut Esprit Nature displays an iodine-inflected and elegant bouquet of menthol, anise, licorice, white peach and spices intertwined with notes of clementine. Medium-bodied, round and sappy, it's slightly creamy, with an elegant, fresh mid-palate that segues into an ethereal, long finish. Bottled in 2021, it was disgorged in November 2023 with a dosage of five grams per liter. This is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay." - Yohan Castaing (Oct 2024)

91 Points - The Wine Independent:
"The Henri Giraud Esprit Brut Nature NV has undergone a makeover. Now fermented in “chatrice” barrels which lend sharp freshness to the base wines, this 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay blend, with 30% reserve wines for additional texture, is more structured than it’s easygoing, generous predecessor. The nose opens with plenty of ripe red fruit, chalk and honey notes followed by a medium-bodied, austere palate accented with ripe bramble fruits and a vibrant acid line that leads to a long, honeyed finish." - Sarah Mayo (Nov 2023)