Paul Bara

Bouzy grower Paul Bara is, in the words of Antonio Galloni, ‘one of Champagne’s undisputed leaders in quality’. They make 100% Grand Cru Champagnes, with fruit from 33 house-owned parcels across the Montagne de Reims. They have been on the scene releasing Champagnes under the family name since the 1950s, though they have a family history as vine owners and coopers in the area for much further back. Their hand-dug, 100-year-old cellars lie 11 meters below ground, and here they age their non-vintage Champagnes in bottle for two to three years, and their vintage Champagnes for a minimum of five to six years. The focus is on Pinot Noir, which results in full-bodied, fruit-driven wines which define the house style. Special Club is only made in exceptional years; the still base wine and, much later, the finished Champagne both have to pass an expert (and third party) tasting panel before the Champagne can be released under this label. (NT 13/12/23)