Pierre Paillard
Champagne 1er Cru Ludes Meunier Extra Brut Vieilles Vignes 2020
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Premier Crus Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Pinot Meunier |
| Aging | 10 months on the lees in oak barrels; 48 months of maturation in the cellar (chalk cellars). |
- Vintage and origin: 2020, Premier Cru from Ludes in the Champagne region, France
- Grape variety and type: 100% Pinot Meunier, Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut, 3 g/l of sugar
- Ageing: matured in wood and 48 months on the lees in chalk cellars
- Characteristics: notes of fruit and brioche, vinous and persistent palate, savouriness and a bitter finish
- Pairings: ideal with sushi, raw fish and cheeses; serve at 6–8 °C
Description
What kind of wine it is
The Champagne 1er Cru Ludes Meunier Extra Brut Vieilles Vignes by Pierre Paillard is a pure expression of Pinot Meunier grapes. This Traditional Method stands out for its clear aromatic profile, characterised by fruity aromas and fragrant notes of brioche. On the palate, it is vinous and exceptionally persistent, enlivened by a fine perlage that enhances the saline sensations and a slight bitter note on the finish. Its dry and vertical character, typical of the Extra Brut dosage, makes it ideal for pairing with raw fish, sushi, and lean white fish, and it also proves harmonious when matched with starters and cheese selections.
Where it comes from
This wine originates in the commune of Ludes, located on the eastern slope of the Montagne de Reims, close to the borders of Mailly-Champagne. The vineyards, which include the historic plots of Les Hautes Pertes and Les Vigneulles de Devant, stretch across steep, north-facing slopes. The terroir is dominated by highly calcareous soils with minimal clay content, resting on a deep chalky subsoil. This unique geological formation shapes the Pinot Meunier in a distinctive way, imparting a savoury character and precise gustatory tension. The agricultural management is based on organic and sustainable practices, in full respect of the Premier Cru's identity.
How it is produced
Vinification strictly follows the Traditional Method, starting with an initial maturation of the base wine in oak barrels. The prise de mousse takes place with a natural cork stopper, to encourage micro-oxygenation during the secondary fermentation. Ageing then continues with a long rest of 48 months in the cellar, within chalk-dug environments, ensuring prolonged contact with the lees. This meticulous process before disgorgement guarantees profound structural complexity, allowing the low dosage to faithfully express the authenticity of the terroir of origin.
History and Curiosities
Produced by the historic maison Pierre Paillard, this Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs is made from old Pinot Meunier vines grown on the chalky soils of Ludes. The refined vinification process includes maturation in oak barrels and secondary fermentation with natural cork, followed by 48 months of ageing in the cellar. This artisanal dedication gives the 2020 vintage, awarded 94 points by James Suckling, a pure character and an Extra Brut dosage. A persistent sensory experience, ideal for cellaring and enjoying for up to fifteen years.
Awards
-
2020
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1946
| Name | Pierre Paillard Champagne 1er Cru Ludes Meunier Extra Brut Vieilles Vignes 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Pinot Meunier |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Pierre Paillard |
| Story | History and Curiosities Produced by the historic maison Pierre Paillard, this Champagne Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs is made from old Pinot Meunier vines grown on the chalky soils of Ludes. The refined vinification process includes maturation in oak barrels and secondary fermentation with natural cork, followed by 48 months of ageing in the cellar. This artisanal dedication gives the 2020 vintage, awarded 94 points by James Suckling, a pure character and an Extra Brut dosage. A persistent sensory experience, ideal for cellaring and enjoying for up to fifteen years. |
| Origin | Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France |
| Soil composition | Highly calcareous soils (rich in chalk) with minimal clay; markedly chalky subsoil |
| Fermentation | 48 months |
| Production technique | Classic method (traditional method); secondary fermentation in bottle |
| Wine making | Traditional method (méthode traditionnelle); secondary fermentation in the bottle (prise de mousse) with bottling under natural cork; ageing in oak barrels with maturation on the lees before disgorgement; 48 months of ageing in the cellar. |
| Aging | 10 months on the lees in oak barrels; 48 months of maturation in the cellar (chalk cellars). |
| Residual sugar | 3.0 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |