2012 Henri Giraud 'Argonne' Ay Grand Cru Brut Rose

James Suckling: 100/100

Henri Giraud Argonne Rosé 2012 is a medium bodied rosé champagne from the Äy region of Champagne. Henri Giraud is a long-established champagne house, currently run by the thirteenth generation descendant Emmanuelle Giraud-Patour. The house owns around 10 hectares, mainly planted with Pinot Noir on chalky soils, and also sources fruit from selected growers. Fermented and aged in new oak from the legendary Argonne forest, Argonne Rosé is produced in tiny quantities - just 800 bottles per vintage. "This is something else on the nose, with saltines, dried orange, grapefruit, flowers, white pear, peach, white pepper, rust and five spice. Crazy spice, citrus and rusty minerality. Very fine bubbles. Energy and smoothness combined. Coppery in colour, but otherwise difficult to compare with other rosé champagnes. Savoury and intellectual. Unique in the wine world. 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay.