2018 Pierre Paillard 'Ludes' Premier Cru Vieilles Vignes Extra Brut

Region: Champagne, France

Grape: Pinot Meunier

Pairing: Scallops, Foie Gras, Lobster, Caviar

Practice: Organic, Biodynamic

About

For an astonishing eight generations, the Paillard family has produced and perfected their exceptional and unique Champagne. Currently, father Pierre and his sons Antoine and Quentin Paillard continue the tradition.

Domaine Pierre Paillard is eleven hectares of vineyard situated on the south side of the Montagne de Reims in the village of Bouzy. The vineyards are grown organically, and they use biodynamic practices to invigorate the vines. Extraordinarily, the entire vineyard of Domaine Paillard has the highest Champagne classification of Grand Cru.

The Paillard family owns 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay grapes, blending Pinot Noir oriented Champagnes. The Paillards only use these ‘noble grape’ varieties and their entire production comes exclusively from their own vineyards.

Crafted from old meunier vines planted in 1970 and located on the northfacing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Two-thirds of the blend is from the lieu-dit of Hautes Perthes, with the remainder from the nearby parcel of Les Vigneulles de Devant, both planted in 1970. - Importer Note

12.5% Alcohol

Zero Dosage 

Disgorged 01/2023 

2059 Bottles Produced

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Extra Brut Ludes Premier Cru was picked in two parcels of Pinot Meunier in Ludes and fermented in oak with tirage under natural cork. Cream, plum and smoldering candle unite into a rather enticing nose. The mousse is still frothy and bold on this youthful wine, but the underlying fruit is pure and expressive. A slight phenolic edge adds texture and makes this into a slightly rustic offering that comes with a kind of wild charm and the relative looseness of 2018. Zero dosage. Disgorged: January, 2023.

90 points - Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous Media November 2023

Drink: 2023 - 2028