Code Noir
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2032
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted poultry, cured Iberico ham, seared scallops
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the historic Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Henri Giraud's Code Noir is a dramatic celebration of Pinot Noir's noble heritage. The name itself is a clever play on words, referencing both the historical French 'Code Noir' and the genetic 'black code' of the Pinot Noir grape. This cuvée is crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the chalk-rich soils of Aÿ, a terroir prized since the reign of King Henri IV. True to the house's signature style, the wine undergoes vinification in small oak casks sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest, blending traditional craftsmanship with a bold, vinous character. The result is a Champagne of immense texture, complexity, and golden hue, bridging the gap between fine white Burgundy and sparkling wine.
🍾 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 100%
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
12%