Henri Giraud - The Finest Champagne House You've Never Heard Of

August 2022

Described by wine critic Robert Parker as "the finest Champagne house virtually no one has ever heard of", Henri Giraud have been making champagne since the 17th century. Champagne Giraud can trace its history as far back as 1625 when François Hémart settled in the village of Aÿ in the heart of Champagne, and acquired vines.

The history of the family is deeply rooted with the exceptional terroir of Aÿ and intimately mixed with the extraordinary epic of Champagne. At the beginning of the 20th century, Léon Giraud, cuirassier of the Marne Battle, married a young lady Hémart. He rebuilt the magnificent vineyard of the family that had just been devastated by phylloxera and First World War. Claude Giraud, 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family, today presides over the destiny of this Champagne House.

The Giraud-Hémart family own 20 hectares in the heart of the Champagne region. 35 parcels of Grand Cru land of which 26 is planted with Pinot Noir and 9 with Chardonnay. Only 17 of the Champagne region's 323 Crus are classed as Grand Crus (rated 100%). The wine production of Giraud estate is environmentally-friendly, subscribing to the 'lutte-raisonnée' (limited intervention grape growing).

Since 4th July 2015, the hillsides of the prestigious city where their vineyards can be found have been included UNESCO World Heritage List.

Champagne Giraud is one of the few houses that conduct primary fermentation in oak (Krug is another example) . Henri Giraud pride themselves on sourcing wood for its barrels from the slow-growing, tight-grained, high-quality trees of the ancient forest of Argonne, lying just 35 miles from the estate.

Champagne Giraud brings the quintessence of Pinot Noir and of the exceptional Aÿ Grand Cru terroir. Its distinctive identity is elevated by the unapologetic use of oak from Champagne’s Argonne forest during the vinification and raising of its Champagnes. It results in Champagne of strong personality, unique saltiness, minerality and energy.

Shop the exceptional Champagnes of Henri Giraud at Cellarmaster Wines.


Henri Giraud Esprit Nature	Henri Giraud Dame Jane Rosé	Henri Giraud Blanc De Craie

Henri Giraud Hommage Au Pinot Noir	Henri Giraud MV17	Henri Giraud Argonne 2014