Wines Champagne Henri Giraud - Hommage au Pinot Noir

Viniou Reviews

The Champagne Henri Giraud “Cuvée Hommage au Pinot Noir” is an intriguing and rather rare expression from a region traditionally celebrated for its sparkling wines. This is a red, still wine (Coteaux Champenois) crafted entirely or predominantly from Pinot Noir, with its non-vintage status emphasising the house’s focus on style and consistency over vintage character. Henri Giraud’s cuvée is renowned for its attention to detail: grapes are sourced from the prestigious terroirs around Aÿ, where the chalk and clay soils lend remarkable finesse and elegance. The wine is generally vinified and aged in oak, which enriches its structure and allows the delicate, expressive qualities of Pinot Noir to come to the fore, showing notes of fresh red berries, wild strawberry, cherry, and subtle forest undergrowth, with a touch of spice and minerality.

Champagne as a region is unique in that its northern latitude and cool continental climate challenge the ripening of grapes, a factor crucial to the lively acidity and finesse both for sparkling and, exceptionally, still wines. The subsoil here is primarily chalk, providing excellent drainage and lending wines their signature vitality and purity. Henri Giraud is deeply rooted in the Aÿ area, with a long family tradition and philosophy that emphasises respect for terroir and limited intervention, resulting in expressive, distinctive wines.

For food pairings, this Pinot Noir-based red shines alongside dishes that complement its finesse and subtle power. Consider pairing with duck breast, game birds, or veal in light, earthy sauces – classics such as duck à l’orange or rabbit with mustard sauce work beautifully. Regional Champagne cheeses like Chaource or Langres also harmonise well, balancing the wine’s aromatic complexity and freshness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally at 14-16°C, to allow the vivid fruit and elegant structure to express themselves fully. If opened young, a brief decant may help the aromatics open up, highlighting the nuanced, perfumed character carefully crafted by Henri Giraud.