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Richly Reserved
As Bruno Paillard celebrates a milestone birthday, CEO Alice Paillard shares her passion for winemaking, the value of patience, and Champagne’s enduring global appeal.
In 1985, Bruno Paillard introduced the Réserve Perpétuelle, a method of elevating young wines by blending them with older Reserve wines. Forty years on, this Perpetual Reserve remains a hallmark of Bruno Paillard and many other Champagne houses. Alice, Bruno’s daughter, is understandably proud. “The Reserve brings depth and richness to the final Cuvée and ensures continuity of style year after year. More importantly, it pushes us to set very high standards for each blend, since each will enter the Reserve forever!” This spring, to mark the Reserve’s 40th year, the Maison created N.40 Première Cuvée Extra Brut, now part of the perpetual blend.
Although dosage is added only at the end of vinification and ageing, its impact is considered from the start. “Choosing Extra Brut is prioritising terroir expression,” says Alice. “An excessive dosage acts as a filter, hiding the chalk and energy we seek. Yet dosage is vital for post-disgorgement ageing even for a 15-year-old Cuvée such as our N.P.U Nec Plus Ultra – I keep it light.”
Alice’s love of winemaking is clear, but blending sessions remain her favourite part. “During these tastings, we are like musicians, interpreting the notes that nature has written; it’s a magical moment of surprise.”
“The ageing method for these wines is a truly stunning act – they are in a class of their own.”
Alice Paillard
Timeless Style
Ageing is crucial for Bruno Paillard Champagnes, especially given the chalky terroir of the Grands and Premier Crus. Using only the first pressing and a low dosage means the wines need time to open and allow their natural acidity to mellow. “These wines require patience to reveal their finesse and elegance; it’s always worth the wait,” Alice explains.
Another hallmark of the Maison is the bespoke artwork on each label. “After years of work, the Cuvée leaves us like a child going into the world. The wine has its own character; we try to capture this in a few words and through art,” says Alice. Each commissioned piece is recorded in the cellar in Reims.
A Bright Future
Champagne’s reputation has grown significantly in the past decade, attracting a new generation of wine lovers despite industry challenges. Alice remains optimistic. “I see organisations evolving to meet these challenges, restructuring and shifting teams, and it works. Winemaking offers a steep learning curve, global opportunities and enduring appeal.”
For Maison Bruno Paillard, Champagne is wine first, celebration second. “It remains associated with peace, trust and flourishing economies,” says Alice. “Champagne is so small, just 33,000 hectares, while the world is vast. This drives us to produce ever better wines, as ecologically as possible, and to practise patience with every cycle.”