NV Champagne Pierre Paillard Les Terres Roses Bouzy Grand Cru XVII Rosé Extra-Brut

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.