Champagne Extra Brut
Cuvée 72

The Champagne Cuvée 72 by Bruno Paillard is a variation on time and complexity signed by the young and rigorous Maison founded in Reims in 1981, whose name comes from a simple calculation, 36 plus 36, namely the 72 months of maturation that precede the release of this cuvée. An ideal extension of the Première Cuvée, this creation recounts the influence of the long rest after dégorgement on the wine's evolution, in a journey of patience that transforms the original fruit into a deeper, more floral and spicy profile, faithful to the pure and authentic style that drives the Maison.

This edition takes up the classic blend of the Première Cuvée, with a prevalence of Pinot Noir grapes, completed by 33% Chardonnay and 22% Meunier, obtained solely from the first pressing, with vinification and fermentation carried out partly in stainless steel and partly in wood and enriched by vin de réserve, the fruit of more than 25 harvests assembled since 1985 up to a share of 50%. After the tirage comes a maturation of at least 36 months on the lees that culminates in a final dosage in an Extra Brut style, to which are added a further 36 months of cellar maturation after dégorgement, a long additional rest that refines the wine's texture and amplifies its depth, harmony and aromatic complexity.

On tasting, Cuvée 72 stands out for depth, breadth and balance rather than power, showing a bright straw-gold hue with yellow highlights animated by a very fine and persistent perlage. On the nose the first impression is still dominated by citrus and gradually opens towards white flowers such as orange blossom and hawthorn, followed by hints of spices, saffron and cedar wood brought by the long rest. On the palate the lively, enveloping attack confirms the aromatic register, enriched by flavours of currant jelly and black fruits and by a creamy texture with honeyed and dried-fruit nuances, carrying a finish of rare purity, long and broad, where the time spent in the cellar reveals itself in all its masterful harmony.