Champagne Paul Bara Brut Reserve N/V 750ml

The NV Brut Réserve Grand Cru is a terrific introduction to the Bara house style. Citrus; almond, orchard fruit and floral notes abound in a Champagne of real personality and class. The texture and resonance of the Pinot that makes up most of the blend and the natural richness of Bouzy are felt mostly in the wine's weight and textural feel. There is plenty to like in this vinous, inviting Champagne from Bara. Disgorged: January 2018. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.

Score: 90 points -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Nov 2018

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TASTING NOTES: As a symbol of the savoir-faire of the House, this non-vintage brut has a lovely clear, yellow colour, accentuated by hints of old gold. The carbonation is fine and white, making lively, regular chains of bubbles. On the nose you will find aromas of ripe, fleshy fruit dominated by Mirabelle plums, followed by spices and honey, and punctuated by hints of candied fruit, bergamot and orange peel. In the mouth, fruitiness and freshness are lushly combined to produce a full-bodied wine reminiscent of ripe yellow peaches with just a touch of pepper.

FOOD PAIRING: Aperitif, celebration, Thai food, scallops, shrimp, strawberry shortcake, apple crumble pie.

Grape Varieties: 80% Pinot Noir 20% Chardonnay

Dosage: 9.7g

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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.  In 1975, the Bara champagne house innovatively became one of the first to export its champagnes to the United States. Today, the brand has a long-standing tradition of transatlantic sales and continues to work with the same US importer as back in the day. Nowadays Paul Bara champagnes are sold on all continents of the world. In 1980, Chantale began assisting her father and soon after, in 1986, began co-running the business. The 6th generation, she gets on with excellency by being a partner and also President during 4 years of the Club Trésors de Champagne and by intiating in 2013 a major programme of renovation of the winery to enhance its winemaking capacity and precision.