Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs 2012

A Vintage Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne with Great Intensity

The estate

Founded in 1981, the relatively young Bruno Paillard house has stood out since its inception for its unique identity, formed by the visionary Bruno Paillard, who wanted to make champagnes that were decidedly different. This independent family-owned house produces artisanal champagnes with three core characteristics: elegance, complexity and purity. A great diversity of reserve wines, dosage reduced to the strict minimum, a delicate effervescence, exclusive use of the first presses… the Bruno Paillard house elevates Champagne know-how to the height of its artform.

The vineyard

The champagne Blanc de Blancs 2012 by the House of Bruno Paillard is made from Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, in the terroirs of Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

The vintage

2012 was a trying year for Champagne winegrowers with a contrasting and extreme climate. A mild winter ended in a cold snap, which lasted nearly ten days with temperatures dropping as low as -20 ° C. The temperatures rose in spring with rainy episodes, but then the cold returned, bringing dramatic late frosts in some places, where the vines had already budded. Rain, thunderstorms, hail, cold temperatures and then a magnificent August, very dry, to the point that the September rains were eagerly awaited. The harvest was carried out under calm conditions and the health of the grapes was impeccable. Unsurprisingly, the yield was rather low but the quality was exceptional. Maison Bruno Paillard thus endowed this cuvée with an evocative theme: "Where strength marries grace" ... The house also commissioned Japanese artist Takehiko Sugawara to design its unique label.

Vinification and ageing

The Blanc de Blancs 2012 from Maison Bruno Paillard is made exclusively from the first press wines for more purity. 20% of the blend is vinified in small old oak barrels and aged for 8 years in the cellar before disgorging. The champagne then needs an additional 18 months to reach the level of expression that it reveals today. The dosage is only 3g / L, contributing to the pure and elegant character of Blanc de Blancs 2012.

The blend

100% Chardonnay from Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

The tasting

Colour

This great champagne displays an intense, bright golden colour in the glass. Its effervescence is dynamic and fine.

Nose

Rather discreet and polished, the first nose is restrained but gradually reveals fresh citrus aromas. Ripe notes then appear : yellow stone fruits, a hint of honey, all balanced by intense white flowers, spices, liquorice and gourmet notes of warm bread and almond paste.

Palate

The texture of this Blanc de Blancs 2012 champagne by Maison Bruno Paillard is quite full, round, dense, deep and very tactile. The palate echoes the nose, with perhaps a slightly more woody spice and a very saline minerality. This cuvée recounts the story of a vintage with extreme weather conditions throuh a wine that is elegant and delicate, yet intense and powerful.