Lot presentation

Les Parcelles XXI Bouzy Grand Cru Extra-Brut Pierre Paillard

The wine

This Champagne comes from the prestigious Bouzy terroir on the Montagne de Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region. Bouzy is a Grand Cru appellation, with limestone and clay soils that produce grapes of exceptional quality. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness. After gentle pressing, the must ferments in stainless steel vats, undergoing a second fermentation in bottles. Ageing on the lees for several years allows the Champagne to develop complex aromas and a fine, persistent effervescence. The dosage is minimal, resulting in an extra-brut of great purity.
The wine is pale yellow in colour, with delicate golden hints and a fine, persistent foam. The nose is open, with aromas of fresh fruit enriched by subtle hints of brioche and hazelnut. The initial mouthfeel is lively and fresh, followed by very good complexity. The texture is creamy, underpinned by fine minerality, leading to a long, elegant and slightly saline 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.