Henri Giraud Esprit Nature Brut NV is the entry-level flagship Champagne from the renowned Henri Giraud estate. Blended from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, it showcases the winery's signature oak aging, ripe fruit flavors, and mineral tension.
🍾 Product Background and Winemaking Process
Winery Characteristics: Henri Giraud is located in the heart of the Grand Cru village of Aÿ in the Champagne region. Renowned for its oak barrel fermentation and aging (Argonne Forest Oak), the winery adheres to sustainable and organic farming methods, pursuing a pure expression of nature and terroir.
Esprit Nature Positioning: As the winery's entry-level wine, Esprit Nature replaces the older Esprit Brut, presented in a Brut Nature style (zero added sugar), but with an actual added sugar content of approximately 6 g/L (Brut level), demonstrating the winery's commitment to nature and health.
Blend and Vintage: Based on the 2017 vintage (approximately 50%), blended with 50% Perpetual Reserve wine, of which approximately 20% was aged in old oak barrels to impart complexity and depth.
Grape Origin: Selected grapes from Aÿ and surrounding Grand Cru villages, including 80% Pinot Noir (providing ripe stone fruit and body) and 20% Chardonnay (contributing citrus freshness and minerality).
Aging: Aged on lees for approximately 18–24 months, then disgorged (disgorged in January 2020), with sugar added at approximately 6 g/L.
👃 Tasting Notes:
Color: Bright golden yellow with an amber sheen; fine, dense, and persistent bubbles like pearls.
Aroma (Nose): Complex and layered, the aroma unfolds with sweet fruity notes of Mirabelle Plum, candied lemon, yellow peach, nectarine, green apple, and pear, interwoven with deep hints of brioche, roasted nuts, honeycomb, vanilla, white pepper, flint minerals, licorice, mint, and chalky minerals.
Palate: Full-bodied and structured on the palate, the sweet, ripe stone fruit (mirbelle, apricot, yellow peach, nectarine), candied citrus, lemon tart, and green apple flavors are vibrant and balanced by bright acidity. The mid-palate reveals complex layers of spices (white pepper, licorice, cinnamon), crème brûlée, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, savory minerality, and soft oak tannins. The mousse is creamy and smooth, possessing both power and elegance.
Finish: The finish is long and clean, leaving a lingering aftertaste of citrus peel, roasted nuts, chalky savory notes, licorice, slightly bitter cocoa, and soft oak tannins. The overall impression is both sweet and savory, making it a wine with great potential for food pairing.