Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs 2002

Bruno Paillard reveals a smooth and aromatic vintage Blanc de Blancs

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 2002 "Blanc de Blancs" comes from two Great Growths in Côte des Blancs (Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger).

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 the work of French artist Jean-Paul Agosti on the theme "floral flight". Son of gallery owner and photographer Paul Facchetti, Jean-Paul Agosti is a painter who trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. The uniqueness of his works (drawings, watercolours, paintings) lies both in their ‘tree-like’ structure and in their relationship to architecture and garden arts. In particular, he has contributed to monumental works (in situ paintings, stained glass windows) and is exhibited today at the Galerie Guillaume (Paris), at the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and abroad (Milwaukee Art Museum).

The vintage

Marked by low rainfall and high temperatures, 2002 stood out for its temperate summer, where consistent temperatures encouraged the grapes’ gradual ripening. The alternation of hot days and cold nights in September also promoted the berries’ ripening and aromatic richness.

Although conditions affected yields, the grapes harvested were concentrated and very aromatic. The low level of malic acid in the wines made it possible, after malolactic fermentation, to retain their original freshness which, combined with optimal ripeness, indicated an exceptional vintage.

Winemaking and ageing

Made exclusively from first presses, Bruno Paillard’s 2002 "Blanc de Blancs" is aged for more than 10 years on lees in the house’s cellars. Its dosage is low (5gr/litre). Disgorging was carried out in 2012.

Blend

Bruno Paillard’s 2002 "Blanc de Blancs" is 100% Chardonnay.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is an intense, golden colour, with green tints. Effervescen is wonderfully fine.

Nose

Mixing freshness and power, the nose opens with iodised notes, complemented during aeration by fragrances of citrus fruits, fresh almonds and white flowers.

Palate

Lively and opulent on the attack, the palate seduces with its length and its saline notes which are emphasised by aromas of candied citrus fruits, almond paste and buttery pastries.