France | Champagne | Pierre Paillard | Les Mottelettes Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Les Mottelettes Bouzy Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs

Varietal
100% Chardonnay

Notes
DOSAGE: 1.8 g/L Extra Brut

VINEYARD: 0.61 hectare (1.5 acres) single vineyard planted by Antoine and Quentin's grandfather in 1961, 1969, and again in 2012. The old vines from the vineyard are used for replanting chardonnay on the family's parcels by way of sélection massale. Known by the Paillard's as "the mother plot of our own vineyards, expresses the quintessence of Chardonnay." Planted on clay over chalk subsoil. Top soil is not as thick as other vineyards, approximately 30 centimeters.

VITICULTURE: Vineyards are farmed using organic methods since 2011. For the 20 years proceeding 2011, sustainable practices were used to gain a balance of soils; no fertilizers for over 15 years, natural grass covering between rows, two years to regain soil before replanting any vines. Yields are controlled.
Les Mottelettes was vinified in stainless steel using only the first press and the heart of the cuvée. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was kept on its lees for eight months until bottled. The champagne is aged in the cave 53 feet below ground at a constant 50°F. The combination of a second slow fermentation (2 months) and 5 years of sur lie ageing crafts a wine of balance and finesse.
**Antoine is beginning to experiment with cement egg fermentation**

TASTING NOTES: 2015 is the driest and warmest harvest to date for the estate. Berries were generally small but uniform ripeness yielded a balanced, structured, fresh yet concentrated wine. Harvested in Bouzy mid-late September.

Les Mottelettes is a rare and unique expression of Chardonnay grown in Bouzy. A terroir that is traditionally given voice through Pinot Noir. The bouquet delicately expresses aromas of citrus and dried lemon peel. The palate is intense, creamy and voluptuous. Lemon opens into pineapple and passion fruit then transitions to white peach and jasmine while wrapped around a core of pure minerality. The finish carries on to great length and showcases the wine's structured elegance.

PRESS/REVIEWS: "Full-bodied, pretty rich, but pure and dry, this is a remarkable if not great Blanc de Blancs full of tension, grip and character. The finish reveals a firm structure, pure minerality and great length. This is an outstanding Blanc de Blancs from Bouzy."
- Stephan Reinhardt (Robert Parker)