Bruno Paillard : Assemblage 1999

A fresh and fruity vintage blended champagne, revealed by Bruno Paillard

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

Issued from 14 growths by the Marne river, Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 2009" is exclusively made from first presses.

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.

The label of this cuvée is adorned with Didier Paquignon’s painting on the theme "Flamboyant, tumultuous, hearty". Having trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliques et des Métiers d’Art, as well as the l’École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this artist evokes both the immensity of his travels and the intimacy of certain locations, such as the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier, in his works. The painter Luc Simon on Didier Paquignon: "The painting took him by the fingerprints, he followed it both obeying and refusing…".

The vintage

A wet and mild winter encouraged early vine budding, something which can be found throughout the crop cycle. Stormy spells throughout summer affected 10% of Champagne vineyards. The grapes, harvested at full ripeness, are balanced, pure and have a beautiful aromatic density.

Winemaking and ageing

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 1999" was aged for nine years on lees, then for a minimum of 6 months to a year after disgorging. Its dosage is 6g/L.

Blend

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 1999" is made from a blend of Chardonnay (29%), Pinot Noir (42%) and Pinot Meunier (29%).

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful golden colour. Effervescence is fine and lively.

Nose

The nose opens with intense citrus fragrances, which gradually mix with notes of red fruits (raspberry, cherry) and honey.

Palate

The fresh and ample attack precedes a delicate palate, where fruity and spicy notes are emphasised by a beautiful freshness.