Esprit Nature, Champagne Henri Giraud

Champagne, France

Esprit Nature is Champagne Henri Giraud’s compelling expression of Grand Cru terroir from the historic village of Aÿ, seamlessly merging nature, craftsmanship, and innovation. This cuvée embodies the house’s forward-looking philosophy: a return to nature through minimal intervention, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and pure expression of the land. Esprit Nature is both a statement of intent and a celebration of Champagne’s ancestral viticultural wisdom.

In the glass, Esprit Nature reveals a luminous golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is pure and expressive, opening with aromas of fresh pear, white peach, citrus blossom, and grated ginger, followed by subtle notes of toasted hazelnut, wild herbs, and chalky minerality. On the palate, it is crystalline and energetic, showcasing crisp orchard fruit, hints of lemon zest, and a gentle touch of spiced brioche from oak ageing. The texture is silky, yet driven by a lively acidity and precise chalky grip, leading to a long, dry, and refreshing finish.

Whats in the bottle
80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay

Notable Awards
95/100 James Suckling 91/100 Decanter

£49.95
£49.95 £63.00
21% off
Taxes included.

Complete the look:

Riedel Veritas Champagne Wine Glass - Set of 2

£49.95

  • Producer Information
  • Winemaking
  • Tech Stuff

Champagne Henri Giraud is a distinguished, family-owned Champagne house located in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, with roots tracing back to 1625. The Hémart family, contemporaries of Henri IV, established their presence in Aÿ in the early 17th century. In the early 20th century, Léon Giraud married into the Hémart family and revitalised the vineyard after it was devastated by phylloxera. Today, the house is led by Emmanuelle Giraud, the 13th generation of the Giraud-Hémart lineage, continuing a legacy of excellence in Champagne production.
Henri Giraud is renowned for its commitment to terroir expression and innovative winemaking techniques. The house exclusively uses oak barrels sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest, a practice reintroduced by Claude Giraud in 1990. These barrels are crafted from carefully selected trees, with specific terroirs within the forest imparting distinct characteristics to the wines. This meticulous approach enhances the depth and complexity of their Champagnes.
Under the guidance of cellar master Sébastien Le Golvet, Henri Giraud employs a philosophy that balances tradition with innovation. The winemaking process emphasises minimal intervention, utilising natural materials and fermentation vessels such as terracotta and stoneware, alongside the signature Argonne oak barrels. This approach allows the wines to authentically reflect the unique minerality and character of the Aÿ terroir.

Sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in Aÿ, the wine is crafted with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Esprit Nature is vinified without herbicides or synthetic treatments, and with extremely low added sulfur.  Around 80% of the base wine is vinified in oak barrels from the Argonne Forest, a hallmark of the Giraud style, while 20% is matured in stainless steel to preserve vibrancy and purity. This careful balance ensures a structure that is both complex and refined. A portion of the blend comes from a perpetual reserve, enhancing depth and consistency across vintages.

Grape
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Alcohol by Volume
12%
Vintage
NV
Country
France
Size
750ml
Types
Champagne & Sparkling Wine
Producer
Henri Giraud
Region
Champagne
Sub-Region
Ay

Esprit Nature, Champagne Henri Giraud

£49.95 £63.00

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