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Part I
Chasing the Legend
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Part II
Battle of the Argonne Forest
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Part III
Our French Connections
Champagne Henri Giraud, A Treasured French Connection
As we explored our rich history in France, we learned of some rare and wonderful barrels crafted from oak trees that were alive during the turmoil of that fateful last battle of World War I. We learned of Claude Giraud, the gentleman who heads the second oldest champagne house in France and who, incredibly, is one of the last still making champagne in oak barrels—and is singlehandedly dedicated to preserving and responsibly using trees from the Argonne Forest.
Giraud's team consults with Jérôme Viard, one of France's finest barrel makers to produce these unprecedented barrels. The connection was intriguing, but we had no idea how connected we truly were.
Thank you, Champagne Henri Giraud
Argonne Cellars is fortunate to be using these barrels, with their unique and highly coveted "trunk terroir" in our barreling program. Argonne Cellars is the only winery in the Northwest using Argonne Forest-sourced French oak; and all from trees that are the last living witnesses to the battle in 1918.
From Battlefield to Barrels "The other Argonne"
Until we met with Claude in a rather clumsy attempt to source these barrels, we never really understood why he took an interest in a trivial start-up in Washington, a state he barely knows. That is, not until we entered his magnificent barreling house in 2021.
And there they sat, row upon row of barrels, all emblazoned with one French word we did recognize: Argonne. We had inadvertently named our winery after one of his most celebrated champagnes, Argonne. No kidding.
“And then incredibly, we saw them, row upon row of champagne barrels with the word ‘Argonne’ on the barrel head.”
A Legacy in Every Sip Oak from the Argonne Forest shapes our wine.
Being the sole winery in the Northwest working with these exceptional barrels is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. These barrels, crafted from oak trees that witnessed history, impart unique characteristics to our wine.
The terroir of the Argonne oak itself, "trunk terroir," adds a depth and complexity to our wine that cannot be replicated. Each sip tells a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land.
“…one incredible twist was reading about Claude’s wine barrels made from Argonne Forest oak…from trees so ancient they witnessed my grandfather’s battle in 1918.”
A Taste of History Take a journey to France with Argonne Cellars.
We’d like nothing more if you’d like to join Argonne Cellars and explore this fascinating area of France, the Argonne Forest, and much, much, more.
