Reims-based Maison Bruno Paillard has launched its 2006 Blanc de Blancs Champagne onto the UK market. Summarised as being “volupté” by founder, Bruno Paillard, the 2006 is the seventh Blanc de Blancs vintage created by the Maison (previous vintages being: 1983; 1995; 1996; 1999; 2002; and 2004). The 2006 is a blend of Chardonnay grapes – exclusively first pressing – from the Côte des Blancs. As with all the Maison’s cuvées, the 2006 Blanc de Blancs has a very low dosage (5 g/l), and is “Extra Brut”. It has spent more than nine years on the lees in the Maison’s cellars, and a further 12 months “recovery” post disgorgement, which took place in 2015 (dated on the back label), before release.

Commenting on the vintage, Bruno Paillard said: “2006 was a year with very clear seasons. Winter saw freezing temperatures reaching as low as -17°C in the Montagne de Reims. Springtime remained cool, but with frosty episodes. The really good weather arrived late, on 10th June, and flowering began from the 15th, during the best possible conditions. July, as with the 2003, was scorching! But August saw temperatures drop and rain arrive, sparking some concern. Fortunately, by September, the good weather returned and the harvest took place in the second half of the month, in sunshine. And it was abundant. This is a generous and delicious vintage, but also demanding: it was important to sort carefully and only keep the best bunches”.

Since his very first vintage in 1981, Bruno Paillard has commissioned an artist to design the label according to a theme that reflects the characteristics of the year. For 2006, the Swedish painter, Jockum Nordström, illustrated the label according to the theme “Volupté,” in keeping with the generosity and roundness of mature citrus fruits in this wine.

Champagne Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs 2006 will be available via Bibendum PLB and Walker & Wodehouse from 2017, with a recommended retail price of £80.