VINTAGE 2008

BOTTLE SIZES 750ml

COUNTRY France

REGION Champagne

APPELLATION Champagne (Montagne de Reims)

WINE TYPE Sparkling

VARIETALS 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay

FARMING Sustainable

VINEYARD 100% estate-grown fruit in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Average vine age is 35 years. This cuvée is a blend of four vineyards which "represents the quintessence of the Paillards vineyards."

SOIL Thick clay over chalk subsoils.

VITICULTURE Vineyards are farmed using organic methods since 2011. For the 20 years proceeding 2011, sustainable practices were used to gain a balance of soils; no fertilizers for over 15 years, natural grass covering between rows, two years to regain soil before replanting any vines. Yields are controlled. VINIFICATION The 2008 release was vinified in stainless steel using only the first press and heart of the cuvées. After the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was kept on its lees for eight months until bottling. Aged in their cave at a depth of 16 meters and a constant 10°C temperature. The combined effect of a second slow fermentation (2 months) and a 10 year aging on the lees.

AGING Aged for 10 years on the lees. Bottled extra-brut with 1.8 grams per liter of dosage.

PRODUCTION Extremely limited