From: Champagne, France
Blend: 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir with 5% of the Pinot being a still wine
Taste: The NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru XVII Rosé Extra-Brut presents itself with a delicate silver-pink hue, showcasing a vigorous mousse in the glass. On the nose, this exquisite rosé offers a captivating array of aromas, with grapefruit pith, white pear, Rainier cherry, crushed wild strawberries, underripe raspberry, lemon pith, citrus peel, crushed chalk, and a touch of damp herbs. The palate reveals a pure, elegant, and laser-sharp rosé, underscored by a backbone of crushed minerals and crisp forest fruit. Its complexity, finesse, and downright deliciousness make this wine a standout from the Grand Cru Bouzy region. The finish is long, lasting, and succulent, leaving you wanting more.
Critical Acclaim: D 92 Decanter
A serious, elegant rosé Champagne with a creamy, toasty nose. It's full and voluptuous in the mouth, with rich buttery brioche characters. As the palate evolves, the wine's freshness comes through, sweeping in with lemon and grapefruit and underpinning that cherry and almond frangipane richness with tense power. A light hint of Battenberg cake emerges on the finish. With 11ha in the Bouzy terroir, well known for exceptional Pinot Noir, brothers Antoine and Quentin actually have a high proportion of Chardonnay vines for this area, and this wine unusually is majority Chardonnay (65%), with the remaining Pinot Noir, 5% of which is red wine. They put a lot of focus into the health of their soils, and they farm organically.
Pairing: The NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru XVII Rosé Extra-Brut is a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Consider pairing it with seafood dishes, such as shellfish, lobster (see recipe below), or grilled shrimp, as well as poultry, like roasted chicken or turkey. The wine's bright acidity and fruit-forward profile also make it a great companion to creamy cheeses, such as brie or camembert.
For a regional touch, try pairing this rosé with traditional French dishes like Coquilles St. Jacques (scallops in a creamy sauce) or Quiche Lorraine. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness of these dishes, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. This rosé champagne shines when paired with regional French cuisine. Sample it alongside a plate of fresh oysters on the half shell, a classic Coq au Vin, or a delicate Poisson en Papillote. For a more indulgent option, try it with a rich and creamy Lobster Thermidor, which will beautifully contrast the wine's bright acidity.
Vegetarian options that would complement this rosé champagne include a classic Caprese salad, featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic reduction. Another option would be a savory mushroom risotto or a grilled vegetable tart with goat cheese. The wine's acidity and fruitiness will balance the earthy flavors of these dishes, enhancing both the wine and the meal.
Lobster Salad With Green Beans, Tomatoes and Basil
By David Tanis
Champagne enthusiasts and sommeliers around the world are buzzing about the NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru XVII Rosé Extra-Brut. This elegant and refined rosé Champagne has captured the hearts of many with its delicate balance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, rooted in the prestigious terroir of Bouzy.
About. Champagne Pierre Paillard's "Les Terres Roses" is not only an exemplary Bouzy rosé, but it also offers a unique twist with its 65% Chardonnay content. This exceptional Grand Cru rosé hails from the renowned village of Bouzy, which lies at the southern end of the Montagne de Reims sub-region. The village boasts a rare, full-southern exposure that allows Pinot Noir grapes to ripen fully, making it an ideal location for producing still red wine.
Pierre Paillard is a family-owned winery with roots dating back to the 1700s, now managed by the eighth generation, Quentin and Antoine Paillard. They're dedicated to maintaining the health of their soils and farming organically. The "Les Terres Roses" rosé is made from grapes sourced from multiple parcels with vines ranging from 10 to 60 years of age. It is primarily based on the 2017 vintage, with some older reserve vintages blended in for complexity.
The "Les Terres Roses" is a blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir, with 5% of the Pinot being a still wine that lends a beautiful, pale pink color to the finished product. The base wine matured in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak vessels, and the wine aged in ancient chalk cellars until disgorgement in the spring of 2020. To allow the powerful terroir of Bouzy to shine through, a minimal dosage of 1.8 grams was added.
This remarkable rosé is characterized by its silver-pink hue and vigorous mousse. The nose offers an explosion of grapefruit pith, white pear, Rainier cherry, crushed wild strawberries, underripe raspberry, lemon pith, citrus peel, crushed chalk, and a touch of damp herbs. The palate reveals a pure, elegant, and laser-sharp rosé with expanding layers of crushed minerals and crisp forest fruit. This combination of complexity, finesse, and deliciousness sets it apart as a true Grand Cru Bouzy standout.
Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck have both awarded this impressive rosé Champagne with 92 points. The wine's distinct character is a result of the unique combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering a rare and exceptional taste experience. As Gary Westby, K&L Champagne buyer, notes, "this wine is subtle and almost haunting, and it goes very, very well with shellfish." Indeed, if you're looking for the perfect pairing for lobster and rosé Champagne, you've found your match in Les Terres Roses.
Not only does this wine hold its own among the elite, but it also offers tremendous value. The NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru XVII Rosé Extra-Brut is a shining example of what happens when passion, tradition, and innovation unite in the world of Champagne. Savor it now or age it for up to ten years; this exceptional rosé is sure to delight your senses and elevate your Champagne experience.
