Bruno Paillard : Le Mesnil 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Mesnil Grand Cru 2020 by Bruno Paillard

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance reveals a deep and brilliant golden yellow color, reflecting the richness of this still wine.

Nose
The nose opens with fresh and lingering fragrances of sea spray and iodine, accompanied by notes of white peach, pink grapefruit, and fresh almond. Hints of star anise and white pepper complete this complex bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, this wine captivates with its liveliness and energy, offering a refreshing sensation. The precise and powerful fruit is accompanied by a persistent salinity that leads to a long and remarkable finish.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with seafood, delicate fish, or iodized preparations that echo its characteristic saline notes.

Serving and aging potential

This cuvée is best enjoyed in a large Burgundy-style glass, at a temperature close to 12°C to reveal its full aromatic complexity.

The elegance and precision of a white Coteaux Champenois from Mesnil-sur-Oger

The estate

Founded in 1981 by Bruno Paillard at the age of 27, this independent Champagne estate is built on a family heritage dating back to 1704. A pioneer in indicating disgorgement dates on labels since 1983, it favors a pure style with minimal dosage and exclusive use of first-press juice.

The vineyard

The estate oversees a 32-hectare terroir, including 12 hectares in Grand Cru (Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Verzenay, Cumières).

The cuvée

Le Mesnil Grand Cru is made from old vines located mid-slope in Mesnil-sur-Oger, on characteristic chalky terroir. Yields are deliberately reduced by 30 to 50% compared to the cru average to concentrate the expression of the terroir.

The vintage

The year 2020 began with a rainy autumn and winter, ensuring good water reserves. Early budburst in early April escaped frost, followed by a favorable May allowing for even flowering. The dry summer, marked by heat spikes in August, slowed maturation due to water stress, but harvest conditions remained excellent for picking that began as early as September 1st.

Winemaking and aging

Gentle and slow pressing, using exclusively the first-press juice. Fermentation takes place in small oak barrels that have been used for 5 previous vinifications, followed by 9 months of barrel aging. This Coteaux Champenois then matures for 2 years in bottle before release. This limited production represents only 4 barrels, or 1,120 bottles.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay from the Grand Cru terroir of Mesnil-sur-Oger.