Rated by Robert Parker as “outstanding” and one of the top 15 producers in Champagne. One of the great grower families of the Côtes de Blancs, the Gimonnets produce what are probably called the bluest of blue chip Chardonnay Champagnes. The brothers Olivier and Didier start with distinct advantages. In Cuis since the 1700s, the family has amassed an important estate of 25 hectares in splendid sites, with 100+ year old vines in the grand crus of Cremant and Chouilly.

The Bara property was built in 1860. In the beginning, it was a farm with stables, a cow shed, a sheep pen and a cellar; however, in 1965, the barn was transformed into a press room and a winery. Paul Bara, the father of today’s owner Chantale, was the first of the dynasty to sell champagne under the brand of the same name in the 1950s. Chantale recalls how this man of character and conviction would often say: ‘We must keep hold of the fields to feed us’. He also wrote a very interesting book retracing the story of his ‘beloved’ village of Bouzy, its people and their wines and culture.

Brothers Quentin and Antoine Paillard are 8th generation growers running Champagne Pierre Paillard in Bouzy. The Paillards have been crafting wine in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy for more than 200 years. They now tend 11 hectares of vineyards divided between Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) and farmed sustainably.

Brothers Quentin and Antoine Paillard are 8th generation growers running Champagne Pierre Paillard in Bouzy. The Paillards have been crafting wine in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy for more than 200 years. They now tend 11 hectares of vineyards divided between Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) and farmed sustainably.

The Bara property was built in 1860. In the beginning, it was a farm with stables, a cow shed, a sheep pen and a cellar; however, in 1965, the barn was transformed into a press room and a winery. Paul Bara, the father of today’s owner Chantale, was the first of the dynasty to sell champagne under the brand of the same name in the 1950s. Chantale recalls how this man of character and conviction would often say: ‘We must keep hold of the fields to feed us’. He also wrote a very interesting book retracing the story of his ‘beloved’ village of Bouzy, its people and their wines and culture.

Brothers Quentin and Antoine Paillard are 8th generation growers running Champagne Pierre Paillard in Bouzy. The Paillards have been crafting wine in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy for more than 200 years. They now tend 11 hectares of vineyards divided between Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) and farmed sustainably.