Maison Bruno Paillard is one of Champagne’s few remaining independent, family-owned Houses. They take pride in their ‘Perpetual Reserve’, an impressive collection of reserve wines dating back to 1985, blended with the latest vintage to produce their signature Multi Vintage Champagnes.
This blend features 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, all from the first pressing and sourced from more than 30 of the best crus in the region. Up to 50% of the blend comes from reserve wines while 20% of the blend undergoes fermentation in barrel, lending richness and depth. After three years of maturation on lees this Champagne emerges with a 12% ABV. This Première Cuvée has been rated 92 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and has a 4.1 rating on Vivino.
It has a striking golden straw colour and fine bubbles, all encased in a bottle with an elegant, very slim neck, an indication to its more sophisticated character. On the nose, it has aromas of grapefruit mingled with hints of dried fruits. The taste delivers layers of citrus fruits, almonds and a touch of toast. This is not your typical flavour bomb. Instead, it’s balanced, elegant and seamlessly flows from start to finish. The acidity is present but never harsh, the yeastiness is gentle and buttery rather than overpowering, and there is no sour or unpleasant aftertaste, just smoothness throughout. This Champagne has finesse in a way that others often do not, making it remarkably easy to drink.
Maison Bruno Paillard’s Première Cuvée can be found for £45 at Hedonism Wines, or sold as Première Cuvée Extra Brut at £48 from Wanderlust Wine. Ideal for those occasions when you need something a bit more refined.
