Giraud’s history in Champagne began with the Hémart family, descendants of Henri IV, who settled permanently in Ay at the beginning of the 17th century. In the 20th century, Leon Giraud married a Miss Hémart where he reconstructed the magnificent family vineyard and grafted vines on the cuttings taken from certain American vines.
Over the centuries, the wines of Ay have been classed among the world’s fines and the Giraud-Hémart family own an incredible 35 parcels of Grand Cru land in Aÿ, 26 with Pinot Noir and 9 with Chardonnay. Today Claude Giraud is the 12th generation of the Giraud-Hémart family in Ay and lovingly oversees this family House.
94 Points Antonio Galloni
The 2000 Brut Fût de Chêne is the last in a series of wines that goes back to 1990. Honey, almonds, chamomile and dried apricots all flesh out in a rich, textured Champagne loaded with personality. Aging in oak gives the wine much of its power, breadth and pure richness. There is a lot to like in the 2000 Fût de Chêne, although I have to admit I like the direction of the new MV bottling a bit more. Still, this is a drop-dead gorgeous wine. Warm, oxidative overtones add a baritone register to the finish that is highly appealing. The 2000 is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, vinified in oak barrels, 20% of which were new. 2013-2030