Champagne Extra Brut
Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2014

The Champagne Blanc de Blancs Millésimé by Bruno Paillard is the rare expression of a single vintage of Chardonnay, crafted only when the harvest reveals a singular character worthy of being celebrated. An expression of the purity and elegance of the leading grape of the Côte des Blancs, it embodies the constant pursuit of refinement and the timeless finesse that animate the Maison, underlined too by the label, illustrated each time by a contemporary artist in a precious dialogue between wine and visual creativity.

This edition, Vintage 2014, whose label is illustrated by a work by Monique Tello dedicated to the theme Gourmand, comes from a year with a generous and surprisingly sunny profile, in which a dry and luminous September brought the grapes to full ripeness while at the same time preserving their freshness — conditions that gave the wine density and richness without ever giving up elegance. Obtained exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from the first pressing, the purest, of Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs such as Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, it is vinified in stainless steel tanks, with around 20% matured in fût de chêne. After the tirage, it ages for at least 6 years on its lees and, thanks to a final dosage of 3 g/l in Extra Brut style, completes its profile with balance, enhancing the saline tension that defines it. Around 12 months of rest after dégorgement then follow, before release to the market.

On tasting, Blanc de Blancs Vintage 2014 stands out for generosity, breadth and elegance rather than austerity, showing a bright pale-gold robe animated by a very fine effervescence. On the nose it opens with enveloping aromas of fruit, hawthorn and sea spray, followed by generous citrus notes of yuzu and blood orange enriched by a fresh hint of anise, which with oxygenation evolve towards dried fruit, almond and shades of apricot. On the palate the precise and soft attack reveals a caressing, almost creamy texture, sustained by a saline weave and a fine acidic structure that leads to an intense, citrus-driven finish, where the pulp of yellow fruits intertwines with star anise in a mouthwatering profile fully consistent with the inspiration of its vintage.