Pierre Paillard XXII NV Grand Cru

Pierre Paillard is a highly regarded grower Champagne estate based in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims, an area celebrated for its Pinot Noir driven Champagnes. The family has been rooted in the village since the 18th century, and today the estate is run by Antoine and Quentin Paillard, who have refined its reputation through precise vineyard work and a clear focus on terroir expression. The vineyards are planted on south-facing slopes with chalk-rich limestone soils, providing excellent drainage and contributing both power and tension to the wines. Viticulture is carried out with a strong emphasis on sustainability, manual work and careful canopy management, with increasing organic practices though not formally certified. The house is known for long ageing and minimal dosage styles that highlight purity and structure. The XXII NV is based on the 2022 harvest, a warm and generous vintage in Champagne that produced ripe fruit with excellent underlying freshness and balance.

Pierre Paillard XXII NV Grand Cru is a multi vintage Champagne built around the 2022 base year, complemented by reserve wines to add depth and complexity. It is typically composed predominantly of Pinot Noir, 80% and 20% Chardonnay, reflecting the classic Bouzy style while maintaining elegance and precision. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and vinified in oak, followed by extended lees ageing, for 36 months, that enhances texture and complexity before release. In the glass it shows aromas of ripe orchard fruit, citrus zest, brioche, toasted almond and subtle spice, with a palate that is layered, energetic and finely structured, supported by a persistent mousse and chalky mineral finish. It pairs beautifully with shellfish, oysters, poultry and creamy dishes. Drinking well now with notable freshness and depth, it will continue to develop over the next 10 years or more.