Henri Giraud Esprit Nature NV
A remarkable blend of Pinot Noir for 80% and 20% Chardonnay, wines all exclusively from Grand Cru terroirs and Premier Cru terroirs.
The wine is then made with 50% wines of the year and 50% perpetual reserve wines. The wines are aged for a minimum of 2 years on lees in French oak barrels.
The dress is shiny gold
On the palate and on the nose: a very nice dominant hint of red berries such as raspberries or wild strawberries, harmoniously mixed with hints of citrus fruits such as lemon from Menton, clementine from Corsica or lychee.
Very nice touch of red fruit and bergamot flavors with a finish on woody vanilla.
To be enjoyed around 12 ° C as an aperitif with duck or goose foie gras, salmon makis or caviar blinis. Will also go very well with sea fish grilled à la plancha or even better with oysters from Marennes or Belon.
Perfect with sea fish in champagne sauce or white meats with oyster mushrooms or chanterelles.
Store in a cellar at 14 to 16 ° C, bottle lying down, away from light and vibration, with an optimum humidity of 70%.
Wine Advocate - 92 Points - March and September 2021
Based on the 2017 vintage (complemented with some 50% from the house's perpetual reserve) and disgorged in January 2020, the latest rendition of the NV Brut Esprit Nature is showing very well, mingling aromas of yellow orchard fruit and peach with nuances of toasted bread, candied peel, white flowers, clear honey and fresh almonds. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's elegantly vinous, with lively acids and a long, delicately oak-inflected finish. Fermented in barrels, some 20% of the blend derives from domaine holdings.
Wine Advocate - 92 Points - August 2019
The latest release of Giraud's NV Brut Esprit Nature opens in the glass with a lovely bouquet of citrus oil, mandarin, crisp yellow pears, pastry cream and blanched almonds. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, broad and vinous, with racy acids, fine concentration and a compelling sense of integration and harmony. This is a charming, elegant bottling that's very hard to resist. It comes warmly recommended.
Vinous - 92 Points
The NV Esprit Nature is a fabulous introduction to this range. Creamy, open-knit and so expressive, the Esprit Nature captures all of the textural intensity that is such a Giraud signature, but in an approachable style. The Esprit Nature is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay done mostly in oak, with a bit of sandstone amphora. This release is based on 2017, 50% reserve wines. Readers should note that the "Nature" is used here as part of the wine name, rather than an indication of dosage, which is 6 grams per liter.
Decanter - 91 Points
Esprit Nature is the perfect entry-level Champagne for lovers of vinous and dense Champagne. With notes of orchard fruits, spices and almonds, it offers its full scope in the mouth with a delicious texture. 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, based on 2016 and with 50% reserve wines.