Champagne Bruno Paillard, Première Cuvée
We are pleased to share information regarding the complex process of Champagne production and the specific methods used at our Maison. 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the independent and family-owned Bruno PAILLARD Champagne Maison, established 1985–2025.
This year also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Perpetual Reserve, a central element of the Maison’s identity.
Understanding the Perpetual Reserve
In 1985, Bruno Paillard elected to create a Perpetual Reserve—a blend designed to develop year after year with the addition of each new vintage. This approach is based on the understanding that Champagne evolves through time. The Maison focuses on revealing this development in its wines.
Initiated 40 years ago, this Reserve serves as a sensory record that maintains the consistency of the Maison’s style.
Unlike a “classic” reserve where vintages are kept separately, the Perpetual Reserve is a continuous blend maintained in oak barrels and stainless steel. Each year, the current harvest is blended with wines from previous years. Over four decades, this has created a structured and complex base composed of 40 different vintages.
The Composition of Première Cuvée
In the Première Cuvée Extra-Brut, the Perpetual Reserve accounts for approximately 33% of the final blend (ten-year average). This proportion is adjusted annually based on the characteristics of the harvest.
Each blend undergoes a specific maturation process:
・A minimum of 3 years on lees.
・At least 6 months of rest following disgorgement.
The Perpetual Reserve ensures:
・Consistency of style across different years.
・Aromatic complexity resulting from gradual evolution.
・A structural balance between the freshness of the chalk Terroirs and the maturity of the reserve wines.
Cuvée 72: Extended Maturation
Cuvée 72 represents a further interpretation of the Perpetual Reserve. Following the initial 36 months of ageing on lees, it undergoes an additional 36 months of maturation after disgorgement. This extended timeframe allows the wine to develop further aromatic nuances. This cuvée is aged for a total of 6 years prior to release.
The Perpetual Reserve provides a historical foundation for the wine, while the time following disgorgement allows its characteristics to be fully realized. Maison Bruno Paillard maintains a library of past disgorgements as a record of its viticultural history.
Authenticity and Sustainability
A single bottle of Première Cuvée or Cuvée 72 represents the assembly of 40 vintages. This method is a distinctive feature of the Maison’s production, and these selections are now available through Bacchus Global in Thailand.
The Maison BRUNO PAILLARD is defined by four technical pillars:
- Selection of First Pressings: Utilizing primary pressings for clarity in the wine’s profile.
- Extra Brut Specification: All cuvées are Extra Brut (less than 6 g/L) to maintain the wine’s natural characteristics.
- Extended Ageing: Ageing on lees ranges from 3 to 12 years, with post-disgorgement maturation of 6 to 36 months—significantly exceeding standard requirements.
- Sustainable Viticulture: Certified ‘High Environmental Value Level 3’. The Maison employs sustainable practices, including zero pesticides or herbicides, light ploughing, and organic compost to support biodiversity and terroir expression.
(Dr. FX)