Pierre Paillard Verzenay Veilles Vignes Grand Cru Extra Brut 2019 750ml

Product Info

Pierre Paillard’s Verzenay Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru Extra Brut 2019 is a compelling old-vine Blanc de Noirs from one of the great Pinot Noir villages of the Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from Pinot Noir, it comes from two Grand Cru parcels in Verzenay: Les Corettes, planted in 1979, and Les Champs Saint-Martin, planted in 1967.

Verzenay sits on the cooler, north-facing side of the Montagne de Reims, giving Pinot Noir a notably different expression from the broader, more powerful style associated with Paillard’s home village of Bouzy. Here the emphasis is on tension, precision and mineral drive, while retaining the depth and structure of old-vine Pinot Noir.

The wine was vinified and aged in barrel before secondary fermentation in bottle, followed by approximately four and a half years of aging on the lees. Dosage is just 2 g/L, placing it firmly in Extra Brut territory and allowing the character of the fruit and chalk-rich terroir to remain at the forefront.

The 2019 shows ripe pear, yellow plum, citrus peel and red-fruit nuances alongside brioche, subtle spice and a lightly smoky character. The palate combines impressive depth with bright acidity and a distinctly chalky, saline finish. Powerful without being heavy, this is a structured and energetic Champagne that should continue to develop beautifully in bottle.

A particularly distinctive Pierre Paillard bottling and an excellent expression of old-vine Grand Cru Verzenay Pinot Noir.