HENRI GIRAUD BLANC DE CRAIE Blanc de Blancs, Lea & Sandeman

HENRI GIRAUD BLANC DE CRAIE

Blanc de Blancs

Grapes Chardonnay
Colour White
Origin France, Champagne
Village Aÿ
ABV 12.5%

The NV Blanc de Craie, 100% Chardonnay from vineyards in Aÿ and Louvois, is bright and finely sculpted, with terrific aromatic intensity, tons of nuance and all the vibrancy from the chalk-rich soils that give this cuvée its name. Citrus peel, white flowers, white pepper, mint and anise lead into the vivid, persistent finish. The Blanc is done entirely in oak, but it is neutral, so there is virtually no oak imprint at all in the flavors, only in the textural feel. One of the unique aspects of the Blanc de Craie is that the base vintage (2017 in this case) accounts for only 30% of the blend. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 3, 2019. Drinking range: 2021 - 2030 Rating: 93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2021)


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The Blanc de Craie is composed 100% Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims. This makes it an unusual style of Blanc de Blanc 12 months of vinification (FA + FML) over full lees in a combination of terracotta egg shaped FV and Argonne oak barrels, then aged for two years in bottle. This is a powerful style of Blanc de Blanc, seductive and utterly delicious. L&S (Nov 2021)

100% Chardonnay. This is among the more oxidative of the wines in the Giraud family at present, which surprised me given that Blanc de Blancs are usually a bit more resistant to this sort of handling. Some ripe, almost fat yellow fruit and pineapple sits against ground spices and subtle creaminess. A salty, sherried overlay. Tom Hewson Rating: 89 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Dec 2022)

What an aromatic and expressive chardonnay this is, and it’s also a rich and very sensual Blanc de Blancs champagne! The toasted-hazelnut, candied-citrus, vanilla and toast aromas remind me of maturing, high-end white Burgundy, as does the very long, silky finish. A cuvée based on the 2016 vintage with a generous dose of perpetual reserve (solera system), founded in 1990. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. Rating: 95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Dec 2021)

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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