70% Pinot Noir 30% Chardonnay. Temperature regulated fermentation in stainless steel vats for a year without racking, over the full lees. The NV Brut Esprit opens with a delicate array of dried apricots, dried pears, and hazelnuts that come together in an elegant style. The mousse is quite polished and the wine comes across as somewhat understated yet brilliant at the same time, showing lovely detail and complexity. The NV Brut Esprit is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Mineral notes inform a long, dry finish. It also happens to be a lovely introduction to the wines of Giraud. WA90

Graphite aromas give way to red berry and honey flavors in this supple, medium-weight Champagne. Balanced and open, with a toasty finish. Drink now through 2010. WS90

Champagne Henri Giraud was established in 1625 in Aÿ and is now under the ownership of Claude Giraud – who represents the 12th generation of the family. The Giraud-Hémart family own 20 hectares - 35 parcels of Grand Cru land of which 26 is planted with Pinot Noir and 9 with Chardonnay. Henri Giraud’s boutique, environmentally-friendly production (subscribing to the ‘lutte-raisonnée’ -limited intervention grape growing) is limited to 250 000 bottles a year.