2009 Bruno Paillard "Nec Plus Ultra" Grand Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THE WINE

N.P.U. 2009 brings together equal shares of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from six Grand Cru villages: Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne and Bouzy. A warm, dry summer followed spring rainfall, allowing gradual ripening while maintaining freshness. Harvest began on September 10 with Chardonnay and continued for ten days.

Fermentation takes place entirely in old oak barrels. Twelve years on the lees and at least eighteen months of rest after disgorgement give the wine time to develop its layered character; the Extra-Brut dosage is 4.5 g/L. Fine bubbles carry cherry, candied citrus, jasmine and plum, opening toward almond confection, nutmeg and ginger. Its generous fruit and integrated texture meet a precise, saline structure. The producer suggests langoustines with morel sauce or richly prepared scallops.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Bruno Paillard founded his independent Champagne house in Reims in 1981 after working as a broker. Starting in a rented cellar with grapes from selected growers, he set out to make wines defined by purity, fine bubbles and chalky freshness. His first vineyard purchase, in Oger in 1994, began the development of the family’s estate.

Alice Paillard joined in 2007 and now leads the house. Estate vineyards and longstanding grower relationships support its blends, with sustainable vineyard work intended to preserve Champagne’s distinctive soils. Separate vinification of individual crus, first pressings, extended cellar aging and exclusively Extra-Brut dosages shape a precise, food-friendly style.