2018 Pierre Paillard 'Verzenay' Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes Extra Brut

Region: Champagne, France

Grape: Pinot Noir

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 vines pinot noir located in the Grand Cru village of Verzenay. This wine is primarily sourced from the lieu-dit Les Corettes planted directly under the iconic Moulin (windmill) de Verzenay and Les Champs Saint Martin. - Importer Note

12.5% Alcohol

Zero Dosage 

Disgorged 01/2023 

2147 Bottles Produced

Tasting Notes

Such delicacy and focus. Beautifully rendered mirabelle and orange citrus fruit amplified by pale honey richness and spiced red apple, the oak usage bolstering but not shading the wine. Structured, but in fine lines rather than heavy ones. 100% Pinot Noir from two plots in the north-facing grand cru village of Verzenay, and one of its finest single-village expressions. 50% in larger oak and 50% in barrel.

94 points - Tom Hewson, Decanter December 2023

Drink: 2023 - 2028