Lot presentation

Ambonnay Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Extra-Brut Pierre Paillard 2020

The wine

This Champagne hails from the village of Ambonnay, one of the prestigious grands crus of the Montagne de Reims. This village is known for its exceptional terroir, with soils rich in limestone and marl imparting a distinct mineral character to the wines produced here. This cuvée is crafted from old-vine Pinot Noir, the region’s signature grape variety, prized for its depth and structure. Winemaking follows traditional Champagne methods, with fermentation in stainless steel vats to preserve the freshness of the aromas. The wine then ages on laths for several years, allowing it to develop fine bubbles and aromatic complexity. The very light Extra Brut dosage highlights the clarity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir.
In the glass, it reveals a pale gold hue that is both bright and crystalline. The nose is elegant and subtle, with aromas of white-fleshed fruit interwoven with buttery, brioche-like notes. On the palate, the cuvée offers a well-defined structure, lifted by a delicate, creamy mousse. Flavours of apple, pear, and almond blend seamlessly with nuances of hazelnut and toasted bread, offering a beautifully complexity and a persistent finish.

About the Producer Pierre Paillard

Pierre Paillard is run by brothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard today, representing the 8th generation of winemakers to work at this family estate nestled in the village of Bouzy in Champagne for 200 years. The wines from this clay terroir sitting on a chalk sub-soil create powerful, rich and balanced wines.
The property covers 11 hectares made up of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier (the estate even produces two cuvées solely made from Pinot Meunier, Taissy Premier Cru and Ludes Premier Cru) with 30 plots classed as grand cru. In the winery, just like the vineyard, the winemakers carry out tasks meticulously following organic methods. No pesticides are used, and quality is chosen over quantity. Low-intervention vinification allows the fruit to naturally express their aromas. Malolactic fermentation is not stopped and the use of sulphur is kept to a minimum. Each plot is vinified separately before the wines are aged on their lees in wood for 9 months. The best Champagnes can age for up to 10 years in the chalk cellar.
Driven by a respect for the land and the work of generations gone by, the brothers combine tradition with innovation. They shine a light on the qualitive nature of this region with a strong commitment towards sustainable methods.