Bruno Paillard : Mailly 2020

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Mailly 2020 from Bruno Paillard

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a pale, brilliant gold hue, reflecting the purity of the terroir and the delicacy brought to the winemaking process.

Nose

The nose offers a crystalline expression dominated by fresh lemon and white peach. Intense mineral notes evoke chalk dust, flint, and crushed oyster shell. A subtle touch of blackcurrant and a floral freshness complete this aromatic profile.

Palate

The attack is linear and poised, with pronounced saline minerality balanced by delicate notes of lemon blossom. The structure remains airy while retaining fine density. Flavors recall peeled red apple and a very gentle bitterness on the finish. The length is taut, with a subtle echo of Pinot Noir depth and notes of almond skin on the retronasal finish. The wine reveals its complexity progressively.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with tuna tartare and avocado, king crab with a lemon beurre blanc, grilled leeks with miso sauce, or poultry in white wine with tarragon. It also pairs beautifully with crostinis topped with fresh goat cheese and honey, as well as refined sushi.

Serving and cellaring

Mailly 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This still wine will benefit from being served in Burgundy-style white wine glasses to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

An outstanding white Coteaux Champenois by Bruno Paillard

The estate

Founded in 1981 in Reims, Bruno Paillard is a family-owned, independent house born from the boldness of Bruno Paillard, then 27 years old. The estate took root in the vineyard from 1994, with 25 hectares in Champagne now covering more than 50% of its grape needs. Current owner and main shareholder, Bruno Paillard is supporting the transition alongside Alice Paillard, CEO since 2018.

The vineyard

This white Coteaux Champenois comes from the exceptional terroir of Mailly-Champagne, classified Grand Cru on the Montagne de Reims. The chalky soils characteristic of this area give the wine its intense minerality and purity of expression. Mailly’s terroir benefits from a privileged exposure that allows optimal ripening of Pinot Noir.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage in Champagne was marked by favorable weather conditions. After a mild winter, spring brought early budbreak. A sunny summer and ideal autumn conditions encouraged harmonious ripening of the grapes, yielding fruit of great aromatic quality and remarkable balance.

Winemaking and aging

Mailly 2020 is vinified using an exceedingly rare method: the Pinot Noir from the Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims is vinified as a white wine without maceration, with extreme delicacy to preserve only the juice. This approach produces a still wine without effervescence, made in very small quantities, making each bottle a true collector’s item.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.