Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs 2013

The freshness and aromatic purity of a vintage 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 the appellation's 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 pure champagnes, Bruno Paillard elevates the Champagne know-how to the height of its expertise.

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 "Blanc de Blancs" 2013 by Bruno Paillard stems from two Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs (Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger).

Each vintage of the Bruno Paillard Champagne House testifies to the distinctive features of each year, the house’s signature style and provides a unique taste experience. Bruno Paillard is eager to reflect the perfect expression of each vintage through its packaging, by showcasing a characteristic, a word, an artist and also a painting. The history of each great year in Champagne is then illustrated through a singular, rich and utterly diverse work of art.

Dwelling on "Freedom", the multidisciplinary artist Anne Commet reveals a label that explores the continuity of nature and its fragility.

The vintage

The winter was relatively cold. Although the spring frosts did not have an impact on the vineyard, the cool, wet conditions slowed down the vegetative cycle. The ripening of the grapes was slow and gradual despite a hot and dry summer, punctuated by storms. Although the harvest began in a very clement climate, the beginning of autumn was marked by great instability.

Vinification and ageing

The 2013 Blanc de Blancs by the Bruno Paillard House is exclusively produced from the first press to ensure greater purity. 25% of the blend is vinified in small old oak barrels and the whole is aged for 7 years in cellars before disgorging. 12 to 18 months are then necessary to reach the level of expression that this champagne reveals today. The dosage of only 3 g/litre also contributes to the pure and elegant character of this Extra Brut champagne.

The blend

Chardonnay (100%).

Blanc de Blancs 2013 by Bruno Paillard: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour
A brilliant pale gold colour with a fine and precise effervescence.

Nose
The ample and fresh nose gradually blends fragrances of cold ash and hawthorn with delicious notes of white peach, lemon verbena and fresh almond.

Palate
A precise attack gives way to a crisp palate with a beautiful salinity. Throughout the tasting experience, a generous palate blends a minty freshness with notes of fleshy fruit (greengage) and hazelnuts.

Food and wine pairing

Monkfish or prawns are refined pairings for this vintage Blanc de Blancs champagne.