Bruno Paillard 'Premiere Cuvee' Extra Brut Champagne

Winemaker Notes:  A straw gold color and very fine bubbles. Its delicate hue comes from to the use of a high percentage of Chardonnay and of the first pressing only. The first aromas reveal the citrus character of the Chardonnay, such as lime and grapefruits. Red fruit aromas then come out, including redcurrant, raspberry, morello cherry - typical Pinot Noir. On leaving the wine to open up, candied fruits, even exotic fruits of Pinot Meunier appear with aromas of banana and pineapple. The palate is lively. The nose is confirmed by the first taste, including citrus, almonds, toasted bread and "brioche"... but also redcurrant jelly, and dark fruits like cherry, fig or blackberry. The palate is full, quite long, with a very clean finish. Elegant, but not without complexity, this wine perfectly illustrates what is "the house style."

The Premiere Cuvee champagne is an excellent aperitif. It matches divinely with cheese (Brie de Meaux, Camembert, aged salers), poultry and shellfish.

Blend: 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Decanter - "A whiff of flint precedes fresh lemon notes that pervade the entire wine with vivid freshness. The palate is taut and bright, with a rather salty, iodine savoriness. Lovely depth from the great proportion of reserve wines. The finish is brisk, with citrus and umami."


Vinous - "The NV Extra Brut Premiere Cuvée is bright, focused and impeccable from start to finish. Yellow flowers, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks lend energy and tension. There's lovely inner perfume and sweetness to the lemon confit fruit. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Disgorged: June, 2020."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The NV Brut Première Cuvée (Disgorged 07/2016) has a bright straw-gold color. The blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Meunier (22%) opens with a clear, fresh and open, very elegant and generous bouquet of bright, ripe fruits (melons, lemons) with beautiful chalk, brioche and toast flavors as well as emerging notes of sweet cherries and wild strawberries. Nice purity. This is a highly elegant, fresh, textured and tightly woven but very well balanced cuvée with lovely purity and a persistently salty, citrus-fresh and cleansing finish with good grip. This is an extraordinary effort."