With out sounding completely snobby, I just want to say that I think there are MUCH better sparkling wines out there than Veuve Clicquot, Moet & Chandon, Cristal, and Dom Pérignon. Yep-I said it, I think there are better sparkling wines out there than Dom Pérignon. That doesn’t mean I don’t think these wines are good- I will never turn down sparkling wine, but to me you are paying for the name of these mass market wines.
One Champgane that I have come to love is Pierre Paillard Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Nv
I love bubbles, and lately I’ve been enjoying them more frequently as an aperitif or something fun on a hot summer day. This particular Champagne is a bit pricey for everyday consumption, but I love it so much that it was worth a write up for my June Wine pick.
Let’s start from the beginning. Champagne is a historic province in northeast France about 100 miles east of Paris. In order for a sparkling wine to be called Champagne, it has to be from Champagne, France. Other wines can be made from the same grapes, and made in the same style as Champagne, but unless it is from Champagne, France then it can’t be called Champagne.
To make things even more confusing, the Bouzy vineyards are located in the Montagne de Reims subregion of Champagne and are classified as Grand Cru. The main grapes grown in the Champagne region are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, but this particular Champagne is made up of 60% Grand Cru Pinot Noir and 40% Grand Cru Chardonnay from the 2006 and 2007 vintage.
This is one of the most balanced, elegant sparkling wines I’ve ever tasted. The nose starts out with aromas of fresh yellow pear and chalky mineral. On the palate you will find a soft textured wine with flavors of green apple, soft cashews, and gently caramelized pears. It is sophisticated, classy, and truly delicious.
This has easily become a staff favorite at work-we just can’t get enough! A glass of Pierre Paillard with a little creamy cheese schmeared on a crusty French baguette is pure heaven. Trust Me!
