NV Henri Giraud Grand Cru Ay Fut de Chene MV19
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Tasting notes
Henri Giraud’s MV19 is so approachable, stylistically reminiscent of the MV15 or MV10, with rich and generous aromas that jump out of the glass. The usual blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with two thirds coming from 2019 vintage and a third from their perpetual reserve (dating back to 1990), vinified and aged in small Argonne oak barrels (50% new) for a year prior to secondary fermentation. The wine offers vivid apricot fruit and a lovely creaminess on the nose that carries through to the palate, broadening out to reveal notes ranging from delicate blossom and citrus oil to honeycomb and toasted brioche. The texture is fantastic, with the House’s signature vinous character and mouth-coating feel. It retains beautiful balance with sapidity and acidity lifting the long finish. This is yet another step up in precision and quality for this cuvée, one of the best MV bottlings to date – one that would be dangerous to serve blind against any Grande Marque’s prestige cuvée.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, the NV Brut Grand Cru Aÿ Fût de Chêne MV19, based two-thirds on the 2019 vintage and one-third on réserve perpétuelle or soléra, exudes a delicate, pure bouquet of spices, pear, white peach and mirabelle mingled with delicate touches of vanilla pod and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, rich and perfectly balanced, it's seamless with bright acids and a long, delicate, white-pepper finish. Vinified and matured 50% in new barrels and 50% in one-year-old barrels, the oak is barely noticeable. Dosage: five grams per liter.
What makes this wine is the fine, velvet texture at the end that rolls off the finish. Dried-citrus, pastry and light walnut aromas here. I like the subtle, woodsy undertones, more of a deep-forest kind than toastiness. It’s powerful, broad and intense, with a solid structure and framing, but a very fine texture with seamless bubbles. So textural. 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. One third perpetual reserve and two thirds of 2019. Try after 2025.
About the producer
Henri Giraud is one of the most exciting and pioneering Champagne houses today. Based in Äy, the property’s story begins in the early 17th century, when the Hémart family settled in the region.