What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard
The Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard is the highest expression of the historic winery Bruno Paillard, founded in Reims, in the heart of Champagne. A label produced only in exceptional vintages, it represents the house's philosophy: to produce intense, precise, and highly elegant wines.
Made exclusively from Grand Cru grapes, this Champagne is the result of a rigorous winemaking process according to the Champenoise method (also known as the traditional method), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle to create its fine and persistent bubbles. The definition "Extra Brut" indicates a very low sugar dosage, designed to enhance the purity and authenticity of the vintage.
Vintage Details
The 2008 harvest in Champagne is considered one of the best in recent decades. After a cool summer, September brought balanced ripening and grapes of the highest quality, with a perfect balance between acidity and aromatic complexity. The result was a wine of remarkable structure and longevity, destined to evolve for years.
Vinification and aging
Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard is fermented in small French oak barrels, a process that adds toasted and vanilla nuances to the aromatic profile. After blending, the wine ages on its lees for a full 12 years, an exceptionally long period that refines its creaminess and complexity. The final dosage is minimal, to allow the purest expression of the Grand Cru terroir and the vintage.
Tasting Notes
A wine of character and finesse, captivating with its elegance and depth.
Color
Visually, the Champagne presents a brilliant golden yellow, with luminous reflections and a very fine, continuous, and persistent perlage.
Nose
The nose opens slowly, revealing notes of toasted hazelnut, candied citrus, honey, and bread crust. After a few moments, more complex hints of sweet spices and dried fruit emerge, typical of long aging on the lees.
Palate
On the palate, it is broad, dry, and perfectly balanced. The lively freshness blends with an enveloping creaminess, followed by a very long persistence that recalls aromas of almond and chalky minerality. The fine and integrated bubbles accompany each sip with extreme refinement.
Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard
This Champagne of great structure is ideal for accompanying refined and flavorful dishes. Perfect with:
- Raw seafood and fresh oysters
- Fish tartare or scallop carpaccio
- Dishes based on mushrooms or white truffles
- Aged hard cheeses
- Delicate white meats or lightly seared foie gras
Also try it as a meditation wine, to be savored slowly to appreciate its evolution in the glass.
Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard
To preserve the refinement and complexity of this Champagne over time, it is important to follow a few simple storage rules:
- Temperature: Keep the bottle between 10°C and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: Store in a dark environment, as direct light can alter aromas and color.
- Position: Keep the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure proper sealing.
If stored in a cellar under the right conditions, Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard can further evolve for many years, acquiring new aromatic nuances and an even more rounded elegance.
Bruno Paillard
The history of the Bruno Paillard winery The Bruno Paillard winery is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Founded in 1981, during a period of great change for the wine sector, it has successfully blended the legacy of ancient techniques with cutting-edge solutio...
How to Open and Best Serve Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard, position the bottle horizontally for at least 30 minutes to stabilize the bubbles. If it comes directly from the cellar, it is advisable to keep it still to allow natural sediments to settle at the bottom.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Serving vintage Champagne requires attention to temperature. For this Extra Brut 2008, the ideal temperature is between 10 and 12°C. Too cold would numb its aromas, while excessive warming would reduce the freshness and finesse of the bubbles.
3. Opening the Bottle
Proceed with calm and confidence:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork to prevent sudden opening.
- Hold the bottle at approximately a 45° angle, with one hand on the cork and the other on the bottom.
- Slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a soft sigh: this is the sign of a correct, silent opening without wine spillage.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Pour a small amount of Champagne into a glass to evaluate its appearance, clarity, and quality of the perlage. On the nose, Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard reveals complex notes of dried fruit, brioche, and candied citrus: a bouquet that deserves time and attention. Take a first taste to ensure the wine is in perfect condition.
5. Decanting and Aeration
Although unusual for Champagne, decanting may be advisable for a vintage like this, especially if it has over a decade of aging. Proceed as follows:
- Use a large, clear, clean, and odorless carafe.
- Pour the wine slowly down the side, avoiding agitating the bubbles.
- Allow to aerate for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the aromas to express themselves with greater complexity and the palate to show a more harmonious structure.
6. Serving
Serve Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard in large white wine glasses, not traditional flutes, to enhance its aromatic depth. Pour slowly, tilting the glass slightly to preserve the creaminess of the perlage. Ensure that each taster receives the same intensity of bubbles and aromas.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, re-seal the bottle with a specific Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator at approximately 6°C. The wine will maintain its vibrancy for 24 hours. Avoid using spoons or other homemade remedies: only a pressure seal guarantees the freshness and finesse of Champagne Extra Brut 'N.P.U. Nec Plus Ultra' 2008 - Bruno Paillard.