Pierre Paillard 'Ludes' Veilles Vignes Premier Cru Extra Brut, Champagne, France 2020

Sourced from old Meunier vines in the Premier Cru vineyard of Ludes, from the lieux-dits Les Hautes Pertes and Les Vigneulles de Devant, both planted in 1970. This area, located on the eastern side of the Montagne de Reims near the Grand Cru of Mailly-Champagne, is distinguished by its highly calcareous soils with minimal clay content. A singular expression of Meunier planted on the north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims, this cuvée delivers saline sensations and a radiant bitterness. Here, the grape variety gives way to the profound influence of the chalky subsoil. Ludes was aged in oak barrels, bottled under natural cork for the prise de mousse, and matured for 4.5 years on the lees before disgorgement. This creates meunier that’s unusually racy and tense, driven by a pronounced salinity that harnesses and contains the ripe flavors of apricot, white peach, and nectarine.