Bruno Paillard Blanc de Blancs Brut 2013

Blanc de Blancs is white Champagne made exclusively from white grapes, and usually Chardonnay. Those made only from one or more red wine grapes – usually Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – are called Blanc de Noirs. The two terms translate as "White from Whites" and "White from Blacks".

The Côte des Blancs is the centre for Blanc de Blanc production within the Champagne region. "The Hill of Whites", to the south of Epernay, is an east or southeast facing slope around 15 kilometers (9 miles) in length. Its chalky soil is more suited to white grape growing production than the more clay-based soils elsewhere. 96 percent of vineyards here are planted with Chardonnay.

Possibly the most well-known of the white grapes, Chardonnay's Burgundy homeland is often cited as the apogee of its expression. But the variety has traveled the world and examples, from the sublime to the uninspiring, can be found from across the globe.

tasting note: "Properly mature with a fine touch of toastiness, this Champagne is rich and full even though with an extra-dry character. It is beautifully textured and now ready to drink."