Bruno Paillard : Assemblage 2012

The structure and aromatic finesse of a vintage, blended champagne

The estate

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest Champagne Houses. With an uncompromisable selection of terroirs, the exclusive use of first presses, blends made from a vast collection of reserve wines and an ageing time that is twice as long as required by appellation specifications, the Bruno Paillard champagne range reflects this constant quest for excellence and this desire to produce a "very personal style".

The vineya

The Bruno Paillard Champagne House overlooks an exceptional and patiently built vineyard, spread over 32 hectares of vines and 15 growths, 12 of which are classified as "Great Growths". The vineyard brings together the great terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières and Verzenay as well as the exceptional Cru des Riceys, situated at the south of Champagne.

The wine

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 2012" is made from grapes which come from eight of the best growths at the heart of Champagne.

Each vintage cuvée from the Bruno Paillard Champagne House authentically bears witness to a unique year, style and tasting experience. Bruno Paillard wishes to make the packaging the perfect expression of each vintage through every character, word, artist and thus canvas. The history of each great year in Champagne is thus illsutrated by means of a unique work which is rich in diversity.

This cuvée’s label is adorned with the work of Claude Viallat on the theme "Sillons". After studying at the École des Beaux-Arts in Montpellier from 1955 to 1959, at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1962-1963 as well as at Raymond Legueult’s studio, Claude Viallat is known for his tireless research on the same theme. From 1966, the artist adopted a process based on the repetition of a neutral form on an empty, unframed canvas. His creations echo an aesthetic movement from the 1960s which advocated for the development and evolution of a form over time and space without abandoning its original configuration. A founding member of the Supports/Surfaces groups, Claude Viallat is also a teacher in several French art schools, including, notably, the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris.

The vintage

The mild winter was marked by a sudden drop in temperatures in February. The equally cool spring was accompanied by heavy rainfall, resulting in frost on the budded vines. The alternation between rain and stormy episodes, sometimes hail, until summer also impacted flowering and homogeneity. Mildness in summer incited the grapes’ ripening process. The intense drought throughout August provoked water stress in certain areas. Despite lower yields, the grapes harvested were of a high quality.

The winemaking and ageing

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 2012" is exclusively produced from the first, purest press. This cuvée is aged for eight years in the House’s cellars, including a minimum resting period of 12 months after disgorging. Its dosage is 4.5g/L.

Blend

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 2012" is made from a blend of Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%), 20% of which are vinified in small, old oak barrels.

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a beautiful golden yellow colour. The effervescence is persistent and delicate.

Nose

The nose mixes fragrances of stone fruits (Bigarreau cherry, white peach), dried fig, honey and fresh ginger with intense notes of white flower (begonia). Aromas of cacao and nuances of ash are revealed throughout aeration.

Palate

Lively and precise, the attack precedes a palate that is faithful to the nose, which seduces with its indulgence, concentration as well as its refreshing and persistent salinity.

Food and wine pairings

Bruno Paillard’s "Assemblage 2012" goes perfectly with fish (red mullet, monkfish), lamb confit, pigeon, quail or even spicy food.