Bruno Paillard : Blanc de Blancs "Le Mesnil" Grand cru 1999

Bruno Paillard presents a Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru of great elegance

The estate

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest houses of Champagne. Uncompromising selection of terroirs, exclusive use of first pressings, blends made from a vast collection of reserve wines, ageing period twice as long as that required by the appellation's specifications, the range of Bruno Paillard champagnes reflects this constant quest for excellence and the desire to create a "very personal style".

The vineyard

The Champagne Bruno Paillard House oversees an exceptional vineyard patiently built up over 32 hectares of vines spread over 15 crus, including 12 classified as "Grand Crus". The vineyard brings together the great terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières, Verzenay and the exceptional Cru des Riceys located in the south of Champagne.

The wine

This Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1999 is made from a single year (1999) and a single terroir located in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The grapes indeed come from two plots "Les Mournoirs" and "Pudepeigne". Aged just over 40 years, these old vines facing east / south-east are planted on gentle slopes with a massive limestone subsoil.

The vintage

1999 began with a mild and wet winter marked by a storm of rare violence in December 1998. Bud break is early, spring is mild thus avoiding the risk of frost. A hailstorm in May impacts some areas of Champagne, but not in Mesnil. The summer conditions are hot and dry. The few rains in early September promote perfect ripening. The harvested grapes are of great quality and the health of the vineyard is perfect.

Vinification and ageing

Produced only in magnum, this vintage 1999 champagne from Bruno Paillard underwent an exceptional ageing period of 15 years in the house's cellars and was disgorged in June 2014.

Blend

100% chardonnay.

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Grand Cru 1999 from Bruno Paillard

Tasting

The exceptional maturity of this vintage combined with a balanced acidity gives this champagne wine finesse, elegance, suppleness and a delicious length on the palate.

Cellaring

This exceptional champagne can be cellared for many years, stored at 10 or 11°C, horizontally and away from light.