Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 2000

A special Blanc de Blanc from a unique terroir

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 crus, 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

While the Bruno Paillard house is recognised for the quality of its blended wines, this 2000 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru is crafted from grapes from a singular Grand Cru in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, le Mesnil sur Oger, from a single grape variety and just one over-50-year-old "Pudepeigne" plot from one year: 2000.

The vintage

A mild and dry winter preceded a spring that was punctuated by several spells of hail which affected all of Champagne. Although a window of good climate in mid-June encouraged quick flowering, July was marked by heavy rainfall and low temperatures. August was milder despite some hail. The harvested grapes were of a great quality with a beautiful ripeness, signs of a great vintage.

Winemaking and ageing

Produced only in magnum, this 2000 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru by Bruno Paillard has been aged on lees for 13 years at a temperature of 10.5°C. An additional 4-year ageing time is carried out following disgorgement in August 2014.

Blend

This 2000 Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru is 100% Chardonnay.