Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 1999

Bruno Paillard reveals a greatly elegant Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru

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".

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

This 1999 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru was created in a single year (1999) and a single terroir situated at the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The grapes come from two parcels, "Les Mournoirs" and "Pudepeigne". Aged for a little more than 40 years, these south/south-east oriented vines are planted on gentle slopes with a massive limestone subsoil.

The vintage

1999 began with a mild and wet summer, marked by a extremely violent storm in December 1998. Budding was early and spring was mild, thus warding off the risk of frost. A hailstorm in May affected certain areas in Champagne, but not Mesnil. Summer conditions were hot and dry. Some rain at the beginning of September encouraged a perfect ripening process. The harvested grapes were of a high quality and the vineyard’s health conditions were perfect.

Winemaking and ageing

Produced only in magnum, this 1999 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard was aged on lees for an exceptional ageing period of 15 years in the house’s cellars, with disgorgement in June 2014.

Blend

This 1999 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard is 100% Chardonnay.

Tasting

The exceptional maturity of this vintage, combined with a balanced acidity, gives this champagne wine finesse, elegance and suppleness as well as a delicious length on the palate.

Keeping

This exceptional champagne can be kept in the cellar for numerous years, stored at 10°C or 11°C, horizontally and away from the light.