Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2012

The Champagne

The 2012 Millésime Blanc de Blancs vintage champagne was made with 100% Chardonnay grapes from the villages of Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte de Blancs. 20% of the wine was vinified in small oak barrels. Bruno Paillard allows this vintage at least 7 years of aging in the cellar and at least 18 months resting time after disgorgement. A dosage of only 3 g/l (extra brut) round off this powerful and delicate vintage champagne.

The year 2012 – a turbulent year with a small harvest but excellent quality.

The winter initially started with mild weather. However, February brought an almost ten-day cold spell with temperatures as low as minus 20°C. Spring was also marked by rain and cold temperatures, sometimes leading to frost in the vineyards and the occasional hailstorm. Low temperatures also dominated during the blossoming period. The summer of 2012, especially the month of August, was characterized by sunshine and high temperatures, which allowed the surviving grapes to ripen nicely and evenly. The 2012 harvest was rather scarce due to the intense weather conditions earlier in the year, but the quality of the grapes – especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – is quite exceptional. This is due to the fact that the turbulent weather conditions produced both a strong ripeness and a higher acidity in the grapes, making 2012 a fascinating vintage.

To visually accompany this vintage, Japanese artist Takehiko Sugawara was commissioned to develop a painting on the theme “Where strength meets grace.” His work harmoniously combines the traditions of the Japanese grand masters with a modernity approaching pure abstraction. Sugawara is well aware of the impossibility of accurately replicating nature. Therefore, he creates new abstract forms to depict it. His work was inspired by Japan’s cherry trees.

Tasting Note

• In the glass, light gold with a fine and very active perlage.
• On the nose, this vintage champagne initially unfolds with great restraint, but gradually opens up with fresh scents of citrus, grapefruit and chalky notes. These are followed by aromas of ripe stone fruit, light notes of honey and toast and just a hint of marzipan.
• The opening immediately envelopes the palate: a great depth and almost fleshy, creamy structure. The fruity notes perceived on the nose are also found on the palate. In addition to the chalky notes typical of Bruno, there are also slightly salty accents. An intense, powerful champagne for special moments.

Pair with

• Aperitif
• Bruno Paillard recommends pairing this vintage champagne with grilled porcini mushrooms with thyme and eggplant caviar
• Fish and seafood

The Bruno Paillard Champagne House

Purity, minerality, elegance and complexity

The champagne house was founded in 1981 by its namesake Bruno Paillard and is one of the youngest champagne houses. The founder comes from a family of grape brokers and winegrowers who have lived and worked in the heart of Champagne for more than three centuries. His idea and philosophy is to extract the quintessence from the best crus to create a composition, a great champagne. His champagnes are mainly found in upscale restaurants and specialist wine shops.