Coteaux Champenois Cuvee des Froides Terres
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, roasted pork loin
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the legendary Grand Cru slopes of Aÿ, Henri Giraud's Coteaux Champenois Cuvée des Froides Terres is a rare and magnificent testament to Champagne's historic still red winemaking tradition, which once graced the tables of French monarchs. The name 'Froides Terres' (Cold Earth) refers to the specific cool, clay-dominant soils of the parcel, which temper the warmth of the Aÿ terroir to yield a Pinot Noir of exceptional tension, elegance, and aromatic purity. True to the house's signature philosophy, this still red is vinified and aged in oak casks sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest. This meticulous wood program imparts a seamless, velvety texture and a complex spice profile to the vibrant red fruit character, bridging the gap between the finesse of Champagne terroir and the structure of fine Burgundy.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Based in the historic Grand Cru village of Aÿ, Champagne Henri Giraud traces its winemaking heritage back to 1625 with the Hémart family. Today, under the guidance of Claude Giraud, the house is world-renowned for its pioneering return to traditional oak vinification, utilizing barrels crafted exclusively from the nearby Argonne Forest to impart unmatched complexity and texture. This meticulous craftsmanship defines their bold, vinous style, exemplified by iconic cuvées such as Argonne and the Fût de Chêne MV. The estate is located at 71 Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, 51160 Aÿ-Champagne, France, and their official website is https://www.champagne-giraud.com.