Henri Giraud Hommage au Pinot Noir NV
A Champagne originating exclusively from the Ay Grand Cru, matured in tanks for 6 months and then in oak barrels another 6 months.
Harmoniously composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.
Very fine and lingering bubble cord to the opening.
Colour : light amber tones
To the nose : white flowers with relevant notes of honeysuckle, yellow fruit and minty green almond.
To the palate : pear and yellow fruit, dried apricot with a finish on orange zest with a fine chocolate touch.
Works in perfect harmony with bass in fennel, pork filet mignon, or duck with citrus fruit.
To be served around 12°C, except as an aperitif, when it should be around 8-10°C.
Vinous - 95 Points - August 2020
The NV Hommage au Pinot Noir is a new wine in this range. Like all the Giraud Champagnes, the Hommage is vinified entirely in oak. The current release is based on 2015, with about 40% reserve wines. Rich and creamy in the glass, but also quite delicate, the Hommage can be enjoyed now or cellared. It captures the radiance and generosity of Aÿ nicely, but in a softer, more approachable style than the flagship wines. I didn't see any of the awkward notes that lurk in so many 2015-based NV Champagnes. Disgorged April 2, 2020
Vinous - 93 Points - March 2021
The NV Hommage au Pinot Noir is another fabulous wine in this range from Giraud. Rich, ample and creamy, the Hommage is so expressive today. The Hommage is 100% Pinot Noir done in an unusual style that sees eleven months in oak followed by six months in tank, an approach that is much more common for white Burgundy. In fact, I have never seen this élevage in Champagne. No matter, though, it all works. Red plum, kirsch, mint, chamomile and spice all meld together effortlessly. The Hommage is rich and generous, but is also light on its feet. This release is based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines.
Vinous - 95 Points - August 2020
The NV Hommage au Pinot Noir is a new wine in this range. Like all the Giraud Champagnes, the Hommage is vinified entirely in oak. The current release is based on 2015, with about 40% reserve wines. Rich and creamy in the glass, but also quite delicate, the Hommage can be enjoyed now or cellared. It captures the radiance and generosity of Aÿ nicely, but in a softer, more approachable style than the flagship wines. I didn't see any of the awkward notes that lurk in so many 2015-based NV Champagnes. Disgorged April 2, 2020
Vinous - 93 Points - March 2021
The NV Hommage au Pinot Noir is another fabulous wine in this range from Giraud. Rich, ample and creamy, the Hommage is so expressive today. The Hommage is 100% Pinot Noir done in an unusual style that sees eleven months in oak followed by six months in tank, an approach that is much more common for white Burgundy. In fact, I have never seen this élevage in Champagne. No matter, though, it all works. Red plum, kirsch, mint, chamomile and spice all meld together effortlessly. The Hommage is rich and generous, but is also light on its feet. This release is based on 2016, with 40% reserve wines.