Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs Grand cru

 The finesse and elegance of a fresh and mineral Blanc de Blancs champagne

The producer

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".

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 "Grand Crus". 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

Once called the "lace of Champagne", Bruno Paillard's Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru reveals the quintessence of Chardonnay from the famous "Côte des Blancs". With a very low dosage (5g/l), it respects all the purity of the grape variety. Like all Bruno Paillard champagnes, the date of disgorgement is indicated on the back label. The wine is left to rest in the cellar for a minimum of 6 months after disgorging.

Vinification

The Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard undergoes a separate vinification process, formerly used in Champagne. At the time of the tirage before the second fermentation in the bottle, the addition of sugars and yeasts is lower than normal. Thus, the effervescence obtained is less intense with approximately 4.5 kg of pressure as opposed to 5 to 6 for a normal champagne. The choice of this vinification method helps to preserve the finesse and elegance of the Chardonnay varietal.

The blend

This champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs.

Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Champagne by Bruno Paillard: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard has a very pale, brilliant colour with green highlights. Its fine bubbles are less pronounced than in other champagnes due to a lower pressure.

Nose

The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of citrus fruit reminiscent of lime and grapefruit, revealing the full expression of the Chardonnay variety from the greatest terroirs. This is followed by notes of white flowers associated with almonds and toast.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is seductive with its liveliness, which brings out all the complexity of the champagne. Flavours of citrus fruit and white flesh provide the palate with a pleasant framework. Blending roundness, freshness and finesse, the development on the palate underlines all the minerality of the Côte des Blancs terroir, leaving a chalky sensation on the palate that stretches into a long and fresh finish.

Food and wine pairing

This Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard can be enjoyed as an aperitif. It will also accompany fish dishes or a meal with balanced flavours and little sugar.

Service

To fully enjoy this very fine champagne, serve it after colling in an ice bucket.