Champagne Pierre Paillard

Champagne house in Bouzy, Montagne de Reims.

Village: Bouzy (Grand Cru)
Region: Montagne de Reims
Cuvées in the guide: 9

Champagne‌ Pierre Paillard is a family business that has been established for more than 200 years in Bouzy, at the foot of the Montagne de Reims. The estate is currently run by brothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard, the eighth generation of the family. The Paillards settled in Bouzy in the 18th century; initially as shepherds, innkeepers and schoolmasters, until Antoine Paillard in 1768 bought a few hectares of vineyards and started the wine tradition.

The vineyards cover 11 hectares and lie entirely in the Grand Cru appellation of Bouzy. The soil is chalky and the slopes have a southern exposure, which is ideal for the grape varieties. The vineyard consists of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with an average vine age of 30 years. The family works exclusively with sélection massale to preserve the genetic heritage.

Since 2016 the estate has been converting to organic farming. The winemakers attach great importance to respect for the soil, the use of their own compost and the complete avoidance of weed and insect control products. Each vineyard is worked and vinified individually to preserve the unique expression of the terroir. Vinification takes place mainly in stainless steel tanks, with experiments in oak barrels and terracotta. The champagnes undergo a long ageing process on the lees and have a low dosage (often Extra Brut, between 2 and 4 g/l).

Besides the heart of Bouzy, since 2018 the house has expanded to other terroirs in the Montagne de Reims, such as Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay, Ludes and Taissy. The champagnes are known for their plot-by-plot precision, mineral structure and gastronomic suitability.

Important cuvées are:

Les Parcelles: The house style, a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay.
Les Maillerettes: A Blanc de Noirs from an old vineyard, known for freshness and precision.
Les Mottelettes: A 100% Chardonnay from a specific vineyard.
Terres Roses: An intense rosé de saignée.
La Grande Récolte: A vintage champagne cuvée with long ageing.
Verzenay Grand Cru and Ambonnay Grand Cru: Extensions to other top villages.

Cuvées by Pierre Paillard

Pierre Paillard Ambonnay

Extra Brut · 2020 · Pinot Noir

South-facing Pinot Noir combining structure, power and finesse from deep chalk soils.

Pierre Paillard La Grande Récolte

Blend · Extra Brut · 2012 · Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Concentrated intensity of the great 2012 vintage while retaining grace.

Pierre Paillard Les Maillerettes

Blanc de Noirs · Extra Brut · 2019 · 100% Pinot Noir

Expressive and lively blanc de noirs from 50-year-old vines, balancing depth with chalk-driven tension.

Pierre Paillard Les Mottelettes

Blanc de Blancs · Extra Brut · 2020 · 100% Chardonnay

Generous blanc de blancs from 60-year-old vines with citrus and white fruit notes.

Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles

Blend · Extra Brut · 2021 · 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Blend of Bouzy parcels combining restraint and finesse.

Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses

Rosé · Extra Brut · 2020 · 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir

Rosé marked by Pinot Noir flavours with fine texture and fresh structure.

Pierre Paillard Ludes

Extra Brut · 2020 · Meunier

Singular expression of Meunier from north-facing slopes, saline with radiant bitterness.

Pierre Paillard Taissy

Extra Brut · 2020 · Meunier

Meunier from old vines planted in 1963 on north-facing clay over chalk, complex and saline.

Pierre Paillard Verzenay

Extra Brut · 2020 · Pinot Noir

Racy expression of old Pinot Noir with red fruit, citrus and an iodised finish.

Importers

Pierre Paillard is imported by: Best of Wines.

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