NV Henri Giraud Grand Cru Ay Fut de Chene MV10
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Tasting Notes
Henri Giraud’s MV bottling combines a third of wine drawn from their perpetual reserve with two thirds of the base vintage – in this case, 2010. The base wines were all fermented and aged in Argonne oak for one year prior to going into bottle for secondary fermentation. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, it was disgorged in 2017 – benefiting from some additional post-disgorgement ageing. We last tasted this a year ago and the wine has only improved. The nose is rich and ripe, reminiscent of Amontillado Sherry – with yeasty complexity, nutty tones and dried fruit, as well as bright candied peel, honey and hints of smoky oak spice. The nose is pure decadence, while the palate delivers a beautiful contrast – texturally broad and round, with softly stewed apple, yet driven by a mineral, chalky line and zesty freshness. Long, powerful and serious Champagne.
Hailing from the celebrated Grand Cru terroir of Aÿ in Champagne’s Argonne Forest, the MV10 is crafted with care, spending 12 months in French oak barrels that elevate its complexity. The nose is a fragrant dance of ripe orchard fruits, lush mango, and delicate honeysuckle, inviting you in with its vibrant, tropical allure. On the palate, a beautiful harmony unfolds, where the rich fruitiness is balanced by a touch of savory thyme and a subtle kick of white pepper. Bright citrus peel adds a refreshing lift, highlighting the wine’s lively acidity. The finish is crisp and lasting, with a soft, minerally finish that lingers gracefully. This wine is a true expression of its terroir, offering elegance, depth, and a lasting impression.
Critic Scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The NV Brut Grand Cru Aÿ Fût de Chêne MV10 has also arrived at a very appealing plateau of maturity, unfurling in the glass with scents of orange rind, smoke, toasted bread, mocha, clear honey and pear. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's vinous and sapid, with superb depth at the core, racy acids and a long, precise finish. Disgorged in October 2017, this is a bright, soil-driven rendition of Giraud's Fût de Chêne.
The MV 10 Brut Fût de Chêne (Collection) is bright and focused, with plenty of Giraud richness lurking beneath. Lemon confit, white flowers and petrol add striking shades of nuance. The 2010 is one of the lighter, brighter vintages in this mini-vertical. It is also gracious, refined and sublime within the context of Champagnes that are usually richer and more boisterous. Disgorged October 17, 2017
The NV Aÿ Grand Cru Fût de Chêne Brut MV10 is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay blend from the 2010 harvest, though it is officially non-vintaged. Entirely vinified in oak for one year and disgorged in August 2017, the MV10 opens with a clear, pure, fresh and coolish bouquet of white fruits, dried flowers, fresh oak and cold earth. There is a certain maturity here, but the palate is round, fresh and elegant, with good grip and tension and a perfect touch of sweetness. This is a pure, vital, straight yet fine, complex, well-structured and persistent cuvée that shows good grip with herbal and intense fruit flavors on the finish. This is an expressive Grand Cru from Aÿ that is still available but is going to be replaced by the MV12 soon to become part of the HG "Collection" range. Tasted April 2018 (KC4S47C).
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.