Champagne Henri Giraud Esprit Nature

Enjoy it now, or cellar for a few more years. No need to decant before serving. This is a golden Champagne wine, created from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. It begins with a harmonious nose, as red berries and citrus fruits walk side-by-side. You can also find hints of fresh dough, apricot and vanilla essence. The fruits were sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru level vineyards, before being blended in a 50/50 ratio with “perpetual reserve wine” from previous years. Henri Giraud is a generation-spanning Champagne house in the heart of Aÿ, now run by Claude Giraud. The region of Aÿ is deeply intertwined with the region of Champagne as a whole and is widely considered to be one of the greatest appellations in the world. Until 1887, sparkling wines from Champagne were known as “wines of Aÿ”. Esprit Nature is bright and medium to full-bodied in the mouth. It’s alive with notes of strawberry, raspberry and candied lemon, with background hints of white pepper, brioche and vanilla. In the final stretch, a pleasant bitterness appears, redolent of almonds and minerality. This is a world-class wine from an important appellation and is perfect for celebrations. Consider pairing it with oysters, caviar or salmon.

Price: £50.92 from 8wines UK