Champagne Henri GiraudPR 90-20, Champagne Henri Giraud
Champagne, FranceVintage: MV
Time is integral to all exceptional wine, but it is the critical component in Henri Giraud’s PR 90-19. Drawing inspiration from philosophy and physics, the “Perpetual Reserve” is a voyage through Henri Giraud’s vintage history.
The imagery on the bottle offers a metaphysical nod to the role of time in every aspect of this wine. The design features a stylised equation symbolising the compression of time and space, representing the span of vintages and spatial distances captured in this single cuvée.
100% solera-based, PR 90-20 is an 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay blend. 1/3 Grand Cru reserve wine from the solera started in 1990, which is designated for Giraud’s MV Fût de Chène, and 2/3 would be from an older “Esprit Nature” solera dating to the 1950s.
In the glass, PR 90-20 from Champagne Henri Giraud reveals a luminous golden hue with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is expressive and complex, unfolding layers of grapefruit zest, ripe pear, white flowers, and toasted brioche, interwoven with subtle hints of spice, chalk, and orange peel. On the palate, the wine is impeccably balanced, rich and vinous, yet precise and energetic with flavours of candied citrus, green apple, and delicate pastry notes. The signature chalky minerality of Aÿ’s Grand Cru terroir is complemented by the elegant integration of Argonne oak, adding texture and depth without overshadowing the fruit. A creamy mousse and refined acidity lead to a long, focused finish with lingering notes of clove, citrus oil, and fine salinity. This is a Champagne of poise and power, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and terroir-driven philosophy of Henri Giraud.
Notable Awards
96/100, James Suckling, Aug 2024
“This has so much energy and vivacity and refined, vinous character. It’s dry and focused with notes of bread crust, grapefruit, dried orange, chalk and a hint of clove. All about the tension. Long and tightly wound. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. One-third perpetual reserve of cuvee MV and two-thirds perpetual reserve of cuvee Esprit. Disgorged December 2023. Dosage 5g/L.”
94/100, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, Oct 2024
“Crafted from one-third of MV’s perpetual reserve and two-thirds of Esprit’s perpetual reserve, the NV PR 90/20 shows brilliantly today. Evoking aromas of vanilla pod, spices, beeswax and argan, it’s full-bodied, concentrated and rich, with a creamy, vinous texture and a gastronomic bitterness. It concludes with a slightly phenolic, tannic, long and superb finish.”
Whats in the bottle
80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
12 Mixed Bottles *
£139.50
Save £15.50
* As part of a mixed case of any 12 bottles
Free UK delivery on orders over £250. Free South Wales delivery on orders over £100
Tel : 02922 337454
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Description
Champagne Henri Giraud is a distinguished, family-owned Champagne house located in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, with roots tracing back to 1625. The Hémart family, contemporaries of Henri IV, established their presence in Aÿ in the early 17th century. In the early 20th century, Léon Giraud married into the Hémart family and revitalised the vineyard after it was devastated by phylloxera. Today, the house is led by Emmanuelle Giraud, the 13th generation of the Giraud-Hémart lineage, continuing a legacy of excellence in Champagne production.
Henri Giraud is renowned for its commitment to terroir expression and innovative winemaking techniques. The house exclusively uses oak barrels sourced from the nearby Argonne Forest, a practice reintroduced by Claude Giraud in 1990. These barrels are crafted from carefully selected trees, with specific terroirs within the forest imparting distinct characteristics to the wines. This meticulous approach enhances the depth and complexity of their Champagnes.
Under the guidance of cellar master Sébastien Le Golvet, Henri Giraud employs a philosophy that balances tradition with innovation. The winemaking process emphasises minimal intervention, utilising natural materials and fermentation vessels such as terracotta and stoneware, alongside the signature Argonne oak barrels. This approach allows the wines to authentically reflect the unique minerality and character of the Aÿ terroir.
The wine is fermented and aged in bespoke barrels crafted from individually selected Argonne Forest oak trees, each geo-localised and paired with specific vineyard plots. Overseen by cellar master Sébastien Le Golvet, the oak is meticulously toasted to harmonise with the wine’s structure and minerality. Following 12 months of barrel maturation (50% new, 50% one-year-old), the wine undergoes a further four years of lees ageing in bottle. The final dosage of 5g/L enhances balance and finesse.
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