The village of Bouzy in Champagne has a towering reputation. Located in the Montagne de Reims, there is a bedrock of chalk here which gives the wines great linearity on the palate: they are direct, polished and willing to wear any of the nuances of the traditional-method process with grace.
If you are looking for a proper récoltants-manipulants to showcase its terroir, Champagne Paul Bara is often at the tip of the tongue. Founded in 1860 and now presided over by seven-generation grower Chantale Bara, this estate combines small production with value-driven prices, especially given the methods and the neighborhood. The patience behind these wines is extreme: the Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne Réserve spends six years on the lees.
NV Champagne Paul Bara Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne Réserve Brut
Champagne AOC (Champagne )
Grapes: Pinot Noir (80%), Chardonnay (20%)
Alcohol: 12.5%
Opinion: ★★★★ 3/4 (out of five)
Food-friendliness: Impeccable
Value: As Expected
A beginner might like … those lovely — and even a bit hefty — lees notes. Six years of sur lie aging will do that, but the quick-footed acidity of this wine keeps them lifted and momentous.
A wine obsessive might like … knowing that since 1950, this estate has been growing its own fruit and making its own wine, well before it became fashionable.
Note: This wine was provided as a sample by Paul Bara’s importer, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. Learn more.
