Bruno Paillard : N.P.U. "Nec Plus Ultra" 2008

Bruno Paillard crafts an exceptional champagne distinguished by precision and complexity

The Estate

Founded in Reims in 1981, Bruno Paillard is one of the youngest Champagne houses. Rigorous selection of terroirs, exclusive use of first pressings, blending from an extensive collection of reserve wines, and aging twice as long as required by the appellation’s regulations—all these reflect Bruno Paillard’s relentless pursuit of excellence and the desire to create a “very personal style.” Through elegant, complex, and exceptionally pure champagnes, Maison Bruno Paillard elevates Champagne savoir-faire to the height of its art.

The Vineyard

Maison Bruno Paillard tends to a remarkable vineyard patiently assembled over time, spanning 32 hectares of vines across 15 crus, 12 of which are classified as “Grands Crus.” The vineyard brings together the outstanding terroirs of Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger, Cumières, Verzenay, as well as the exceptional Cru des Riceys located in the south of Champagne.

The Wine

The N.P.U. “Nec Plus Ultra” cuvée was born from the ambition to produce the greatest Champagne wine, where rigor and high standards guide every stage of its creation. The N.P.U. cuvée is produced exclusively in exceptional years (1990, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004).

N.P.U “Nec Plus Ultra” 2008 comes from a strict selection of grapes from 7 of the 17 villages entitled to the Grand Cru appellation (Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Chouilly, Cramant, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne, and Bouzy).

Each bottle is numbered and displays its disgorgement date on the back label.

The Vintage

A rainy and mild winter preceded a spring that began with some frost episodes. The cool temperatures recorded in June, which slowed flowering, persisted for much of the growth period due to low sunshine. During the harvest, which began on September 15 under good conditions, alternating mild days and cool nights allowed for gradual ripening of the grapes, thus preserving a beautiful acidity.

Winemaking and Aging

N.P.U. “Nec Plus Ultra” 2008 from Bruno Paillard, like all the house’s cuvées, is crafted exclusively from the first pressing. Fermentation takes place in small, old oak barrels. The initial maturation of 10 months is followed by blending of the selected barrels. Second fermentation occurs in the bottle. The wine is then aged for over 10 years in the estate’s cellars at a constant temperature (10.5°C), before disgorgement in April 2019. After disgorgement, the wine undergoes an additional aging of over 2 years. The total maturation period is 15 years.

The dosage for this 2008 vintage champagne is very low (3g/l). Each bottle is numbered and bears the date of its disgorgement.

Blend

Chardonnay (50%) and pinot noir (50%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for N.P.U. “Nec Plus Ultra” 2008 by Bruno Paillard

Tasting

Appearance
Bright, the color is a beautiful golden yellow. The effervescence is fine and steady.

Nose
The nose combines fresh red fruit aromas (redcurrant, raspberry, blueberry, wild strawberry) with notes of stone fruit (bigarreau cherry) and candied orange peel. As it aerates, the bouquet gains in complexity. Aromas of fresh ginger, peppermint, cocoa powder, and quince paste mingle harmoniously, supported by the lively freshness of honeysuckle.

Palate
A precise and refreshing attack opens to a silky palate combining power, depth, and aromatic richness, leading to a persistent and indulgent finish.

Serving

For optimal tasting, serve between 8° and 10°C.

Food and Wine Pairings

This N.P.U. “Nec Plus Ultra” 2008 by Bruno Paillard is the ideal match for veal tartare, quail with foie gras, grilled langoustines, or a saffron clam risotto.