A House at its Peak Maturity

Should you have the opportunity to taste Henri Giraud champagne, you will undoubtedly grasp the full meaning of the opening words spoken by the current proprietor, Claude Giraud, in an interview. You will also likely have experienced firsthand the seductive aspect of champagne, its ability to gently elevate your mood.
This house, once described as "Purveyor to the Royal Court," "Consumed by a select few in Britain and Monaco," and "The Elusive Champagne," is now experiencing its most tranquil period in its 380-year history. It has reached a "truth" through a long journey of relentless pursuit. One could say it is now a time of quiet contemplation, savoring the lingering resonance of that achievement.

Annual production is 250,000 bottles. This is half of Krug's 500,000 bottles, and approximately 10 percent of that is imported into Japan (compared to the family-run Taittinger's 4 million bottles and Moët & Chandon's 20 million bottles). The proprietor states, "With a total of ten family members and employees, this is a human-scale operation, just the right size for pursuing quality." Consequently, through meticulous cultivation that draws out the potential of the grapes, distinctive winemaking for each cuvée, and by fully leveraging the merits of the terroir from their 8-hectare estate in the village of Aÿ (all Grand Cru classified vineyards), they have succeeded in creating a champagne with complexity beyond the ordinary, remarkable purity, and a fresh, drinkable character.

The Sparkling Genes of Aÿ, a Grand Cru Village of Champagne

The history of the Henri Giraud family dates back to the early 17th century. During the reign of Louis XIII, in the Champagne region, François Hémart, the founder of Henri Giraud, acquired an 8-hectare vineyard in the village of Aÿ and began cultivating grapes. In the early 20th century, Léon Giraud, the son-in-law of the Hémart family, revived the vineyards devastated by phylloxera and World War I. His spirit was inherited by the 12th generation, the current proprietor, who in 1990 joined the Union des Maisons de Champagne as a négociant, marking a new turning point. That year, considered an exceptional vintage, became the memorable first vintage of "Fût de Chêne."

"Fût de Chêne" uses select grapes from the village of Aÿ. Employing a cold maceration method to minimize impurities while extracting flavor, it is fermented and aged in oak barrels from the Argonne forest in Champagne. The result is a wine that offers both a roasted, rich fruitiness and an unadulterated elegance, a harmonious blend of glamour and finesse. Many critics, including Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson, have awarded it ratings comparable to Krug and Dom Pérignon, with some vintages receiving exceptional acclaim.

The sparkling genes of Aÿ are fully expressed in "Code Noir," the NV (Non-Vintage) released in 2008, which has garnered high praise. In honor of the genomic code from the world's first genome analysis of Pinot Noir, a cuvée made from 100% Grand Noir (a subspecies of Pinot Noir) was unveiled. Robert Parker immediately awarded it 93 points. (erobertparker.com)

Truth and Authentic Luxury in Life

"Since 1980, we have been improving the terroir and doing our utmost with lutte raisonnée (reasoned pest control). Seeking truth in wine means pursuing a balance and harmony between generosity and richness. This is the authentic luxury that today's world demands, and we are creating a wine that connects to the truth that the closer we get to nature, the more beautiful it becomes. The pursuit of truth and having true friends—this is what connects to my champagne-making journey."

Henri Giraud's champagnes, embodying the high ideals articulated by proprietor Claude Giraud, are highly coveted worldwide. Perhaps, when given the chance to taste them, one might glimpse the profound truths of life, much like the proprietor himself. This year, marking 20 years since the pivotal year of 1990, is a commemorative one for the house, the family, and for him.

















KFW HENRI GIRAUD
Tel. 03-5777-2639
http://www.henrigiraud.jp/