2008 Pierre Paillard "La Grande Récolte" Bouzy Grand Cru, Extra Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This wine is composed of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from two sites that are now being used to make single vineyard wines by Antoine and Quentin Paillard. Both are from their estate in the Grand Cru of Bouzy on the south-facing slope of the mountain of Reims. The Pinot Noir comes from a plot called Les Maillerettes, which was planted in 1970, and the Chardonnay comes from Les Mottelettes, planted in 1961. Both are the mother vines for the massal selections made in-house at Champagne Pierre Paillard and both vineyards are just .8 acres. Old vines like these, in a terroir as special as the Grand Cru of Bouzy, produce great wines even in less special years. But, in the vintage of a generation they have given something truly remarkable—a concentrated, streamlined vintage Champagne that will last for generations to come.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Champagne Pierre Paillard is distinguished by one of those wonderful styles that amazes you with its complexity, elegance, and refinement, revealing the soul of Grand Cru Bouzy to you. Historically, the ownership of the Paillard family began in 1768. The Commune of Bouzy is known for its Pinot Noir wines and is located in the heart of the great terroir of Montagne de Reims.

Today the family is represented by the brothers, Antoine and Quentin Payar, who continue the tradition of quality, and respect for the soil and grapevine. Thanks to such a philosophy, they succeed in amazingly accurately demonstrating the subtlety and magnificence of Bouzy's stunning terroir. The area of ​​30 vineyards occupies 11 hectares, which are planted with Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%) vines. Part of the crop is used to create original and unique dry wines. In the last 20 years, chemical fertilizers have not been used here and they adhere to organic methods of viticulture.