In episode 198 of The Drinking Hour podcast, David Kermode’s guest is Alice Paillard, CEO and co-owner of Champagne Bruno Paillard. Topics up for discussion include Champagne styles, post-disgorgement ageing, climate change and Paillard’s role as a female pioneer.
Kermode and Paillard explore some of the context in which her father Bruno Paillard, the current president, started the relatively young house 40 years ago. Paillard talks through the first vintage her father produced in 1981 before discussing the dynamics of working in a family business.
Paillard then outlines the signature style of the house, explaining what the base wine gives the finished product. Other topics include Bruno Paillard’s early adoption of multi-vintage champagne, why he decided to list the disgorgement dates of his wine and how Alice Paillard pioneered the technique of post-disgorgement aging, something she likens to open-heart surgery.
In the second half of the podcast, Kermode finds out what Paillard’s favourite food pairings with her Champagne are and why 2024 was a challenging year for Champagne producers. Finally, Paillard explains why the artists behind the artwork for Bruno Paillard bottles only ever design it before they have tasted the Champagne.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here.