Henri Giraud - Nouvel Esprit Nature mv

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

Wine Spectator

Falstaff

An unusually golden colour shimmers in the glass. The nose is immediate with the mellow richness of Red Delicious apple flesh. The palate has a lovely saltiness to couonter the rich, Pinot- and ryebread scented richness. There is an intensity and depth that is immense, here is resonance on a bone-dry ut rich body. The finish is taut, clena, salty. Quite a feat.

James Suckling

A fresh, bright and sleek Champagne with aromas of biscuits, lemon pith, pear skins, apricots and pie crust. Supple bubbles on the fresh, dry palate. Salted-praline notes at the end. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay, plus 50% perpetual reserve, all vinified in old oak barrels from the Argonne forest. Delicious now.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Based on the 2017 vintage (complemented with some 50% from the house's perpetual reserve) and disgorged in January 2020, the latest rendition of the NV Brut Esprit Nature is showing very well, mingling aromas of yellow orchard fruit and peach with nuances of toasted bread, candied peel, white flowers, clear honey and fresh almonds. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's elegantly vinous, with lively acids and a long, delicately oak-inflected finish. Fermented in barrels, some 20% of the blend derives from domaine holdings.

Henri Giraud is one of the smallest Champagne houses and is fully family owned. The boutique winery in Aÿ (Marne Valley) is led by CEO Claude Giraud, who combines

Tim Atkin

The Wine Independent