Bruno Paillard
Première Cuvée Extra Brut
Tastings, winery:
Av. de Champagne, 51100 Reims, Grand Est, France
James Suckling - 94 points
2024
Première Cuvée Extra-Brut is the signature champagne of the Bruno Paillard house, embodying the essence of the Champagne region's most distinguished terroirs. This unique blend comprises over 30 carefully selected crus, with the exact composition remaining a closely guarded house secret.
The champagne is crafted from 45% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, with 20% of the wines undergoing their first fermentation in oak barrels. Additionally, up to 50% reserve wines from as many as 25 vintages, dating back to 1985, are incorporated.
The wine then matures for three years on the lees, followed by a minimum of six months of additional aging after disgorgement. The minimal dosage (Extra-Brut) allows the purity of the terroir to shine through. Initial aromas showcase the citrus fruits of Chardonnay, such as lime and grapefruit.
Subsequently, the red fruit notes of Pinot Noir emerge, including redcurrant, raspberry, and morello cherries. With time, hints of dried fruits, occasionally exotic, attributed to Pinot Meunier, become evident. Première Cuvée Extra-Brut is an excellent choice as an aperitif but also pairs divinely with cheeses such as Brie de Meaux, Camembert, and aged Salers, as well as with poultry and shellfish.
About Bruno Paillard
Champagne Bruno Paillard embodies a philosophy where contemporary vision meets deep respect for nature and the craft of winemaking. This independent house is renowned for its refined, dry, and exceptionally elegant style—a style that speaks softly yet leaves a lasting impression.
Every cuvée is crafted from the first pressing of the finest grapes, vinified parcel by parcel to capture the subtle nuances of each vineyard. A significant proportion of reserve wines—some aged for decades—is blended in to bring complexity, finesse, and signature depth to each champagne.
A hallmark of the house is its commitment to transparency: every bottle is marked with its disgorgement date, inviting connoisseurs to follow the wine’s evolution over time. Dosage is always kept to a minimum, allowing the natural freshness, minerality, and energy of the wine to shine through.
The wines are aged far beyond legal requirements, resting in stillness and silence to develop a character that is both precise and poetic. Champagne Bruno Paillard is not a champagne that seeks attention—it’s one that stays with you. A wine for those who seek more than taste in every sip—they seek story, balance, and timeless elegance.
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