Paul Bara 2008 Marie de France Blanc de Noirs

• One of the best Pinot Noir champagnes
• Old vines from the top winemaker in the Grand Cru Bouzy

Baras Blanc de Noirs from very old Pinot Noir vines in Bouzy, named after the daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine, is one of the highlights of Champagne. I had the opportunity to taste the 1982 3 years ago and I can't remember a better Blanc de Noirs. Right out of the gate, the 2008 is characterised by a firm mineral structure, intense acidity and aromas of ripe apple, with lemon and toasted hazelnut flavours coming in over time. The first half of the palate is mineral, fresh with lemon notes, then quickly transitions to a fuller palate with enticing toasted hazelnut and coffee notes.

The Baras are a long-established family in Bouzy. They have been growing grapes in Bouzy since 1833. Paul Bara ran the winery for 60 years until his death in 2015. He made it the flagship of Bouzy. Paul's daughters now run the winery. The chef de cave, Christian Forget, is responsible for the wines. According to Richard Juhlin, the Bara house is still ‘the most quality-obsessed grower in Bouzy. Only the first pressing is used, the wines are aged for at least four years in the cold cellar, and the yield is maintained at the lowest possible level’.

Marie de France is made from old Pinot Noir vines from the best of the 30 or so plots in Bouzy. Bouzy is one of the most famous Grands Crus and is renowned for its Pinot Noirs. As in Ay, the vineyards are located on steep south-facing slopes and offer optimal ripening conditions. Unlike Ay, the distinguishing feature here is the special quality of the chalky soils. The minerality of the best Bouzy champagnes is more reminiscent of Verzenay. When tasting Marie de France, it seems to be the perfect quintessence between Ay and Verzenay.

750 mL

12.5

Champagne

Pinot noir

Sulphites

• Brut

France

Paul Bara, 4 Rue Yvonnet, 51150 Bouzy, Frankreich