Henri Giraud

Founded in 1625 by the Hémart family who settled in Ay, a Grand Cru in the heart of the Vellée de la Marne. It then saw its true development in the 1900s thanks to the union between Madéleine Hémart and Léon Giraud who, understanding the true potential of the territory, rebuilt the vineyards destroyed by phylloxera.
Today we find the twelfth generation, with Claude Giraud who has made the company one of the best maisons in the world. He is supported by his father-in-law and both show a remarkable artistic streak that is revealed in the champagnes created.
With the exceptional 1990 harvest Claude decided to create the cuvée “fût de chêne”, which ferments in small oak barrels from the Argonne forest. These wines immediately established themselves internationally and rightfully entered among the great champagnes of the world. From that moment on, the use of barriques has become part of all the cuvées.
A unique style, with the motto: pleasantness, maturity, territory.
Since 2016, it has been decided to no longer use steel but only wood or amphora, a decision that leads to a return to the origins with surprising results.
For the management of the vineyards, a philosophy is followed that is as sustainable and respectful as possible, without any use of pesticides and herbicides.
Henri Giraud champagnes are complex, without sacrificing drinkability. They all bear the unmistakable Ay Grand Cru brand.
They are full-bodied and structured wines, to which the wood adds notable complexity and oxidative notes, without ever dominating the fruit.
Also worth mentioning is the production of still wines in the region, which flanks that of champagne, of which Henri Giraud is also one of the greatest exponents.