Henri Giraud Blanc de Craie

The latest rendition of Giraud's NV Blanc de Craie Brut offers up aromas of citrus oil, fresh pear and linden blossom. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, vinous and satiny mtextured, with a delicate mousse, ripe but racy acids and a saline finish. Charming and structurally open-knit, it's already drinking well. As usual, this is a blend of Chardonnay from Aÿ and the Montagne de Reims.

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.