Champagne Henri Giraud Fut de Chene Ay Grand Cru Rose

Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Serve it chilled. Founded by the Hémart family in 1625, Henri Giraud is a family champagne house located in Ay, in the Marne Valley. Despite its very ancient traditions, it was the marriage between Léon Giraud and Madeleine Hémart in the early 1900s that led to real growth for the company. Today the winery, led by the twelfth family generation, produces champagne from the best terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, favoring Pinot Noir grapes and conducting fermentations in wood or amphorae. The Fut de Chene Rosé Champagne is a blend of Pinot Noir grapes vinified in both red and white and a small addition of Chardonnay, all coming from the Grand Cru village of Ay. The Pinot Noir grapes vinified in red are selected from a vineyard that is approximately 70 years old and then fermented in amphorae. The other grapes are instead fermented and aged in wood. After vinification and second fermentation, the wine remains on the lees for approximately 60 months before disgorgement. This splendid Rosé Champagne shows a color with salmon tones and slightly orange reflections. The nose is intense and elegant with aromas of mandarin and dried flowers, spices, and stone fruit, with some mineral hints. On the palate, it reveals a complex and round character with a saline touch and strong minerality. The finish is long and recalls slightly smoky notes. Try it with salmon, grilled prawns, and scallop risotto.

Price: £216.08 from 8wines UK