The family have been tending vines in Aÿ since 1625 and today 12th generation Claude Giraud looks after his family’s legacy. For him, ‘Champagne is wine’ first and foremost. Apart from the Dame-Jane, which ages in amphorae, they are known for their textured, ‘barrel-fermented, muscular and vinous wines’ (Wine Advocate) like the MV17 Fût de Chêne. The oak comes from the Argonne Forest, 85km away from Champagne.

Because of their commitment to sustainability in all facets of the business, Henri Giraud have partnered with the ONF (French National Forestry Office) to plant 45 000 oak trees over 10 years – they have already exceeded this and planted more than 50 000 trees. For every bottle they sell of their top cuvée, Argonne, they also plant two-year-old oak trees and maintain them for five years to replace the oaks they fell for their barriques.

‘From top to bottom, this is some of the most impressive ranges Champagne readers will come across.’ – Vinous. See the rest of their incredible range here.