In Aÿ, the sacred cradle of Pinot Noir, one family has stood out for four centuries for its devotion to the land, pioneering spirit, and understated elegance. To mark the 400th anniversary of this remarkable lineage of winegrowers, Champagne Henri Giraud is launching a website that invites wine lovers to explore the family’s contribution to Champagne’s legacy.
This immersive platform brings to life the true, almost cinematic, story of a family rooted in the vines since 1625, when parish records first recognised “bourgeois winegrowers.” From François Hémart, the family’s founding ancestor, to Emmanuelle Giraud, the current president of the House, via Henri Giraud, WWII hero and post-war winemaking trailblazer, each generation contributes to this living legend.
A Family Journey in Pursuit of Excellence
In 1945, Henri Giraud returned from the war and, with his father Léon, created the first bottles bearing the two names — Giraud-Hémart — symbolising the union and resilience of two enduring families.
Since then, Champagne Henri Giraud has forged a singular path: choosing oak from the historic Argonne Forest, championing sustainable viticulture free of pesticides, and revolutionising winemaking with patented innovations. Each cuvée is a living expression of the Aÿ terroir — bold, elegant, and uncompromising.
Rooted in History, Driven by the Future
This 400th anniversary celebrates enduring values: independence, transmission, innovation and well-being.
Through this rich and beautifully designed website, the family shares its memories, philosophy and bold moves: vinifying exclusively in small containers, reviving the ancestral Ratafia Champenois, developing therapeutic chalk treatments, and restoring the Henri Giraud Manor with its iconic “Chapelle” overlooking the historic Champagne hillsides.
A Living Heritage, a Story to Discover
The newly launched website invites wine lovers across the globe to explore the universe of a family reinventing Champagne’s legacy. It is a story of soul and soil, innovation and passion, written by a family of enlightened artisans devoted to one mythic creation: Champagne.
You can discover more at www.famillegiraudhemart400ans.com.
Images copyright of Champagne Henri Giraud.
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