Paul Bara
Champagne
Address:
Champagne Paul Bara grand cru, Rue Yvonnet, Bouzy, France
Website:
Winemaker:
Chantale Bara
First Vintage:
1949
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE
3
Summary
Paul Bara is a prestigious Champagne house nestled in the heart of the renowned Grand Cru village of Bouzy, a name synonymous with rich, pinot noir-driven Champagnes. As a family-run estate with a heritage stretching back to 1833, the Bara legacy is steeped in tradition, as evidenced by their time-honored methods of viticulture and winemaking.
The winery is currently managed with meticulous care by Chantale Bara, who continues to uphold the high standards and practices set by her ancestors. With around 11 hectares of vineyards exclusively situated within the Grand Cru classified areas, Paul Bara specializes in cultivating predominantly Pinot Noir, with a smaller percentage of Chardonnay, which is the secret behind the depth and character of their Champagne.
The terroir of Bouzy imparts a distinctive quality to the Paul Bara wines – the chalky soil and favorable microclimate contribute to the complexity, robust structure, and longevity that the brand is famous for. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, with a focus on maintaining the health and balance of the vineyards without the use of synthetic herbicides or pesticides.
Paul Bara's Champagnes are celebrated for their richness and elegance. The winemaking process includes a meticulous hand-selection of grapes, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation in stainless steel or enamel-lined tanks to preserve the purity of fruit. Some cuvées also see fermentation or aging in oak barrels, adding layers of complexity and a creamy texture to the final blend.
The house produces a range of Champagnes, from the classic Brut Réserve, which offers a harmonious blend of power and finesse, to the exceptional vintage offerings and the prestigious "Comtesse Marie de France" cuvée, which undergoes extended aging in the cellars to achieve its characteristic depth and creamy mousse.
A visit to Paul Bara is a journey through Champagne's history, with its cellars carved out of the region's chalky bedrock, providing a perfect, naturally cool environment for the aging of their Champagnes. Their tasting room, often hosted by members of the Bara family, provides an intimate experience for savoring their exquisite creations, reflecting both the legacy of the Bouzy terroir and the Bara family's dedication to excellence in Champagne production.
Visitors and connoisseurs alike cherish the wines of Paul Bara for their robust yet refined nature, the embodiment of Bouzy's Grand Cru designation. Each bottle is a testament to the Bara family's commitment to creating some of the world's most distinguished and memorable Champagnes.