Cuvee Croix de Courcelles
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
roasted chicken, grilled sea bass, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the historic Grand Cru village of Aÿ, the Cuvée Croix de Courcelles is a rare and exceptional Coteaux Champenois Blanc—a still white wine that pays homage to the region's pre-sparkling heritage when the still wines of Champagne graced the tables of royal courts. Sourced from the specific lieu-dit 'Croix de Courcelles,' this wine showcases Henri Giraud's signature craftsmanship. It is vinified and aged in oak casks sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest, a traditional method championed by the house to impart a rich, textured complexity. The terroir of Aÿ, famous for its chalky soils, lends a vibrant mineral backbone that beautifully balances the opulent, woody nuances developed during barrel aging.
🍾 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.