Argonne
⏳ Drinking Window
2025 - 2040
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted turbot, roasted veal chop, aged Comté cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
Henri Giraud's Argonne is the ultimate expression of the house's philosophy, a prestige Grand Cru Champagne named after the historic Argonne Forest. For centuries, the oak from Argonne shielded and nurtured the wines of Champagne, but by the late 20th century, stainless steel had largely replaced wood. Claude Giraud single-handedly revived this ancient alliance, sourcing oak exclusively from specific parcels of the Argonne Forest to craft bespoke barrels. Each vintage of Argonne is vinified and aged in these virgin oak casks, creating a profound dialogue between the Grand Cru terroir of Aÿ and the unique terroir of the forest itself. This rare cuvée is celebrated for its rich, vinous character, remarkable texture, and complex notes of toasted brioche, baked stone fruits, and delicate spices, representing a luxurious marriage of history, forestry, and viticulture.
🍾 About the Producer
Tracing its viticultural heritage in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ back to 1625 through the Hémart family, Champagne Henri Giraud is one of the most distinctive and artisanal Champagne houses. Today steered by Claude Giraud, the twelfth generation of the founding family, the estate is celebrated for reviving the historic tradition of vinifying and maturing Champagne exclusively in local oak barrels sourced from the nearby Forest of Argonne. Embracing organic practices and minimal intervention, Giraud champions powerful, Pinot Noir-dominant cuvées marked by intense vinous complexity, fine salinity, and exceptional aging potential. Iconic expressions such as the prestige cuvée Argonne, the Fût de Chêne MV series, and Hommage à François Hémart epitomize the house's dedication to terroir-driven richness and visionary craftsmanship.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
12.5%