Bruno Paillard 2008 vintage launches in UK

Reims-based Maison Bruno Paillard has launched its 2008 ‘Assemblage’ Champagne onto the UK market with an artist designed label that reflects the characteristics of the year.  

Despite a damp winter and cool spring and early summer, during the late summer and early autumn, temperatures were higher than normal which has resulted in a Champagne with generous ripeness yet balanced acidity.

Since his very first vintage in 1981, Bruno Paillard has commissioned an artist to design the label according to a theme that reflects the characteristics of the year.  For 2008, Korean artist, Bang Hai Ja, has created a work which reflects her passion of marrying Eastern and Western techniques.  The theme “Energy” is depicted in a canvas which is flecked with light, giving both great serenity and a sense that the canvas itself breathes.

Declared a Champagne of great energy by founder, Bruno Paillard, the 2008 vintage is a blend of grapes – exclusively first pressing – from 10 different terroirs from the heart of the region and is composed of: 42% Chardonnay; 42% Pinot Noir; and 16% Meunier.  

The cuvée has been ageing in the Maison’s cellars for seven years, including 12 months rest post disgorgement (the date of which is marked on the back label, as with all the Maison’s cuvées).  Dosage is very low – 5g/l – typical of Bruno Paillard, where all the Champagnes are labelled “Extra Brut”.

Champagne Bruno Paillard Assemblage 2008 is available to independent retailers and the on-trade, from UK agent, Bibendum PLB, with an RRSP of £65.00.

29 February 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor