Bruno Paillard : Assemblage 1996

The sophistication and aromatic finesse of a vintage, blended champagne

The estate

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest Champagne Houses. With an uncompromisable selection of terroirs, the exclusive use of first presses, blends made from a vast collection of reserve wines and an ageing time that is twice as long as required by appellation specifications, the Bruno Paillard champagne range reflects this constant quest for excellence and this desire to produce a "very personal style". Through elegant, complex and wonderfully pure champagnes, the Bruno Paillard House elevates its Champagne know-how to the top of its game.

The vineyard

The Bruno Paillard Champagne House overlooks an exceptional and patiently built vineyard, spread over 32 hectares of vines and 15 growths, 12 of which are classified as "Great Growths". The vineyard brings together the great terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières and Verzenay as well as the exceptional Cru des Riceys, situated at the south of Champagne.

The wine

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 1996" is made from a selection of grapes which come from a Great Growth in Côte des Blancs (Avize) as well as 3 Great and First Growths from the Reims Mountain (Mailly, Mareuil sur Ay, Rilly and Villers Mamery). Only the first press is used.

Each vintage cuvée from the Bruno Paillard Champagne House authentically bears witness to a unique year, style and tasting experience. Bruno Paillard wishes to make the packaging the perfect expression of each vintage through every character, word, artist and thus each canvas. The history of each great year in Champagne is thus illustrated by means of a unique work which is rich in diversity.

This cuvée’s label is adorned with the painting by Italian artist, Paola Marchesi, on the theme "Structure and velvet". Having graduated from the Academy des Beaux-Arts in Milan and passionate about art in different forms (music, photography, drawing, sculpture, ceramics…), this artist participates in group and solo exhibitions in numerous museums and art galleries. Creating her works minimalistically and defending the idea of an expressionism which is consistent with "the pure act", Paola Marchesi advocates for the universality of a "trail" which links men with each other and to the cosmos.

The vintage

1996 began with a dry and mild winter, punctuated by some frost in February. Although milder conditions in mid-April encouraged vine budding, this earliness was interrupted by a drop in temperatures in May. The beginning of June was hot and sunny, allowing for quick flowering. Although summer was lukewarm, the harvested grapes presented both a beautiful sweetness and a clear acidity, high quality criteria indicating an exceptional vintage.

Blend

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 1996" is made from a blend of Chardonnay (52%) and Pinot Noir (48%).

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a bright, beautiful straw gold colour. Effervescence is fine and delicate.

Nose

The gourmet and powerful nose mixes fragrances of gingerbread and candied fruit with brioche and toasted notes.

Palate

Ample and beautifully lively, the palate seduces with its aromas of candied fruits combined with tasty citrus notes at the finish.