The Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie NV is a 100% Chardonnay Champagne, sourced from chalk-rich Grand Cru vineyards in Aÿ and surrounding villages—hence the name “Craieâ€, meaning chalk. Unlike many Blanc de Blancs from the Côte des Blancs, this cuvée offers a richer, more textural interpretation of Chardonnay, shaped by partial vinification in oak and extended lees aging. On the nose, it opens with notes of lemon curd, white peach, green apple, toasted brioche, almond, and wet stone. The palate is round yet focused, with fine mousse, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive mineral tension that echoes the chalky soils of its origin. The finish is long, layered, and saline, making it as suitable for complex food pairings as for contemplative sipping. Structured, expressive, and built with remarkable finesse, Blanc de Craie is a standout non-vintage Champagne—ideal for pairing with oysters, creamy seafood dishes, or poultry in light sauces, and a testament to the elegance and i
Henri Giraud Description
Henri Giraud is a small, family-run Champagne house based in Aÿ, one of the region’s most prestigious Grand Cru villages, with a history dating back to the 17th century. Under the leadership of Claude Giraud, the house has become renowned for its bold, terroir-driven approach, and for its unique use of Argonne oak barrels, which pay homage to Champagne’s ancient winemaking traditions. Henri Giraud places a strong emphasis on ecological balance, sustainable viticulture, and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their Champagnes are made exclusively from Grand Cru fruit—primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—and are vinified without stainless steel, using oak and terracotta to reveal texture and depth. The house style is rich, expressive, and gastronomic, with a focus on minerality and precision. Among their cuvées, Blanc de Craie stands out as a pure, mineral-driven expression of Chardonnay, crafted with a distinct sense of place and aging potential.
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