The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's 50 best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
Appellation: Montagne de Reims
Varietals: Chardonnay
Farming: Sustainable
Vineyard: 0.61 hectare vineyard planted by Antoine and Quentin's grandfather in 1961, 1969, and again in 2012. The old vines from the vineyard are used for replanting chardonnay on the family's parcels by way of sélection massale. Known by the Paillard's as "the mother plot of our own vineyards, expresses the quintessence of Chardonnay."
Soil: Clay over chalk subsoil. Top soil is not as thick as other vineyards, approximately 30 centimeters.
Vinification: **Antoine is beginning to experiment with cement egg fermentation. We tasted the "Vin Clair" out of egg and the wine showed great purity, minerality and exuberance.** Les Mottelettes was vinified in stainless steel using only the first press and the heart of the cuvée. After alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, the wine was kept on its lees for eight months until bottled. The champagne is aged in the cave 16 meters below ground at a constant 10°C. The combination of a second slow fermentation (2 months) and 5 years of sur lies ageing crafts a wine of balance and finesse.
Aging: Aged for 60 months sur lattes. Bottled extra-brut with 1.8 grams per liter of dosage.
Notes: Les Mottelettes is a rare and unique expression of Chardonnay grown in Bouzy. A terroir that is traditionally given voice through Pinot Noir. The bouquet delicately expresses aromas of citrus and dried lemon peel. The palate is intense, creamy and voluptuous. Lemon opens into pineapple and passion fruit then transitions to white peach and jasmine while wrapped around a core of pure minerality. The finish carries on to great length and showcases the wine's structured elegance.
Vuosikerta 2014
This year was all about alternating weather patterns. A particularly wet winter gave way to a warm and dry spring. May saw some rain, and even though late June-brought about a minor heatwave, the remainder of the summer was moist and murky. Disease pressure was lifted but once again fine, hot September weather was able to save and concentrate the crop. A large crop (11,553 kg/ha) was picked from September 8th onwards. The year's biggest problem was the sour rot caused by the drosophila suzukii flies. It, and the challenging weather, demanded plenty of care and selection work in the vineyards. The results are variable. The year was especially demanding for Pinot Meunier from the Vallée de la Marne, which received a lot of rainfall and was troubled by both mildew and sour rot. With an average potential alcohol of 10.0% and total acidity of 8.3 g/l, 2014 looks good on paper and so too in the glass, despite its challenges. The successful wines come with attractive fruit, lovely vibrant acidity and an overt easiness to them.
