Bruno Paillard – A Dream Come True Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Bruno Paillard – A Dream Come True SHARE Interview with Philipp G. Axt of 4G-Wines How did 4G Wines and Bruno Paillard come together? I founded 4G in 2009 and Vanessa, my wife joined me soon after. We are perfectionists who are passionate about fine wine. In producing our own wines, we are obsessive about quality and attention to detail. My wife teases me that I want 120%! We select only the finest grapes from specific terroirs and take as much care to deselect. It was this pursuit of excellence that resulted in a chance meeting with Bruno Paillard turning into a happy business arrangement. Five years ago, I happened to be at a wine fair and spotted a unique wine box with hidden hinges… just the kind of thing I was looking for, for my own premium wine. I went over to the stand and while I was waiting to ask about the box, Bruno himself struck up a conversation with me. We shared our passion for fine wines over a superb Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée Extra-Brut and realised that we held the same commitment to quality. At the time Bruno Paillard was served in over 500 Michelin-star restaurants, but it was not available in South Africa. I said I would see what I could do by introducing this spectacular Champagne to my clients and we shook hands. I followed up with a trip to Reims “to get the DNA” of the house and here we are today! A lovely story of shared passions, but a happy result for South Africa! It truly is special Champagne, but being family-owned and independent, volumes are controlled, so it is only available in top restaurants and for private clients in South Africa. The rest of Africa is in our sights and we have started introducing it to Mauritius. Bruno Paillard seems to be a true son of Champagne and a maverick? Indeed! Bruno was born in Reims in 1953 to a long line of brokers and growers in the two Grand Cru villages of Bouzy and Verzenay. At the tender age of 27, he decided to make his dream come true – to start his own Champagne house. That takes enormous vision, courage and determination. He wanted to do everything differently, which in an industry that is steeped in tradition and myths, is no simple feat. The house style reflects his dedication to quality, purity and elegance. They use only Grand Crus and First Presse. The Champagnes are aged much longer than the required time: from three years for Première Cuvée up to eight to ten years for N.P.U. – “Nec Plus Ultra” – their premium brand. The direct translation means “nothing beyond”, which I think says it all. So, innovation and Bruno Paillard are closely linked? Yes, in 1984, he invented the first totally “above-ground” cellar which allows for the strict regulation of temperature, lighting and humidity. The house is also unusual in that it owns up to 75% of its own vineyards allowing for controlled viticulture in the house style. Bruno Paillard was also the first to include the disgorgement date on the bottle. All Bruno Paillard Champagnes are Extra Brut with a very low dosage, maximum: 6 grams per litre. This respects the original purity of the wines and ensures that the flavour is lengthened… there is no drop-off. It's also exciting to see womanpower coming through as Alice Paillard is becoming an increasingly central part of the business! Why is the disgorgement date relevant? Research conducted by Paillard shows that Champagne goes through ‘five or six different ages’ following disgorgement. It begins with a fruit-dominated phase, before moving to flowery notes, then spices and then toasted aromas, before progressing to candied fruit and, finally, roasted notes. It can take five years for the first spiced notes to appear. For the true connoisseur, this is important information. Which Cuvées are your personal favourites? Not an easy question! The Première Cuvée Extra-Brut is the signature Champagne and is delightful. Then there’s the Rosé Première Cuvée which is like drinking a forest – earthy, fruity and yet so subtle! It’s my go-to holiday drink. Whatever you decide to try, Bruno Paillard will not disappoint. https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles CHAMPAGNE Timeless Elegance: De Venoge Champagne As we raise our glasses to celebrate the festive season, it seems fitting to delve into the world of a renowned Champagne house that has stood the test of time with grace and sophistication. De Venoge stands for excellence, heritage, and nearly two centuries of crafting fine Champagne. Read more CHAMPAGNE Champagne Boizel – “One family, one house, one tradition” Interview with David Rieu, Export Manager Champagne Boizel. Welcome to a rainy Johannesburg! I believe you have just got off the plane from France? 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