Bruno Paillard

Bruno Paillard was born in Reims in 1953. His ancestors have been vinegrowers an grape brokers  in the two Grands Crus villages of Bouzy and Verzenay since 1704.

In January 1981, Bruno Paillard is 27 years old, and with nothing but his will – no vineyards, no money – he sells his old Jaguar that had become a collector item to provide his company with a starting capital of 50 000 francs (15 000 Euros).

In a region that hasn’t seen a new house in nearly a century, the mood is rather conservative. But nothing can stop the dream of this pioneer of Champagne.

Bruno Paillard creates his Champagnes in a rented cellar with carefully selected grapes from independent growers. After 3 years of working like an alchemist, improving his know how, he finally reaches the style of his dreams.

In 1984, Bruno Paillard invents the first totally “ground level” cellar. This brand new concept allows an extremely strict control of temperatures, lighting and humidity.

Bruno Paillard Champagnes are first recognized by the English Press as some of the best wines of the region. In 1988, the famous critic Hugh Johnson defines the house as “A Small but Prestigious Young Champagne House With Excellent Silky Vintages and Non Vintages!”

In 1990, Bruno Paillard draws the current winery with his architect Jacques Bléhaut: a state of the art structure with stainless steel, glass and wood symbolizing the 3 noble vessels of Champagne.

In 1994, Bruno Paillard purchases his first vineyard: 3 hectares in Oger, a beautiful Grand Cru of the Côte des Blancs. Now, the vineyards of the house cover 32 hectares – half of the production needs – including 12 hectares of Grand Crus : Oger, Le Mesnil, Bouzy,Verzenay. The remaining half are today still purchased to the same independent growers families since the early 80’s.

Champagne Bruno Paillard is a strong advocate of displaying disgorgement dates on the label, and was the first House to pioneer this, back in 1983.

In January 2007 his daughter Alice, one of four children, decided to join and continue the BP family adventure. Starting in the vineyards and then in the cellar for the first year, following with export development, Alice is now a shareholder and co manages the House with her father.

Today Bruno Paillard Champagne produces 4 to 500 000 bottles a year and export 75% of this wines through 40 different countries – mostly to Europe, Asia and Northern America.

Shared by Sally Bishop

www.champagnebrunopaillard.com