Maison Bruno Paillard releases 2012 vintage champagne

Champagne house Maison Bruno Paillard is set to launch its 2012 Blanc de Blancs, its first vintage Blanc de Blancs since the 2006.

It is a blend of Grand Crus Chardonnay from the heart of the Côte des Blancs, exclusively first pressing, and 20 per cent of the grapes are vinified in old oak barrels. The wine has spent eight years ageing in the cellar, and dosage - in line with the Maison's style - is Extra Brut.

As with each of the Maison's vintages since 1981, Bruno Paillard has commissioned an artist to design the label according to a theme that reflects the characteristics of the year.

The Maison says 2012 was a year characterised by intensity, from the weather to the aromas in the finished wine; yields were low, but the quality - particularly the chardonnay - was exceptional.

To illustrate this theme of intensity, Bruno Paillard commissioned Japanese artist Takehiko Sugawara with the theme "Where strength marries grace", to reflect the contrasting weather which marked the 2012 vintage.

In his painting (mixed medium on Japanese paper), Sugawara mixes ancestral Japanese artistic traditions with a modern approach for an abstract result.

Champagne Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2012 will be available to the trade via Bibendum with a recommended sale price of £88.

10 December 2020 - Bethany Whymark