Paul Clouet

Paul Clouet

I've tasted 3 champagnes from Paul Clouet — enough to get a solid impression. The house is based in the Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Blanc de Blancs Terroir, Côte des Blancs, works with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and shows a clear signature style in their range.

Paul Clouet is based in Bouzy — one of the most legendary Grand Cru villages in Champagne. Bouzy is located on the south side of the Montagne de Reims, on hillside vineyards that get sun all day long. This produces Pinot Noir with a ripeness and concentration that you rarely find elsewhere in Champagne. It's no coincidence that Bouzy is one of the few villages also known for its still red wine — the Bouzy Rouge, which some call the northernmost serious red wine in France.

What makes Paul Clouet special: They use this powerful Pinot Noir terroir to make champagnes that have both strength and precision. This isn't easy, because the temptation in Bouzy is great to produce champagnes that are too opulent, too broad. Paul Clouet counters this with low dosages and extended lees aging — the 2016 vintage, for example, was bottled as Extra Brut with only 2.5 g/l and spent seven years on the lees. This results in a champagne that shows Bouzy's power but never feels uncontrolled.

Besides the Grand Cru sites in Bouzy, the house also has access to Chardonnay parcels in the Côte des Blancs, which gives their range an additional dimension. The Brut Selection, for example, combines Bouzy power with Côte des Blancs finesse — an assemblage that brings together the best of both worlds.

Terroir and Location

Paul Clouet's champagnes come from the Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Blanc de Blancs Terroir, Côte des Blancs. The Montagne de Reims is known for powerful Pinot Noir and structured champagnes. The Côte des Blancs is the epicenter for Chardonnay and Blanc de Blancs — chalky soils, elegance, minerality. The house has access to Grand Cru sites, which is reflected in the quality of their base wines.

Bouzy is one of the six villages with the highest Grand Cru rating (100%) in the Montagne de Reims. The southern exposure and chalky-clay soils produce Pinot Noir with dark fruit, firm structure and noticeable tannins — characteristics that don't usually stand out so clearly in champagne, but here are part of the terroir expression.

The Range

Paul Clouet offers 3 different cuvées that I was able to try. In the program: Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, vintage champagnes. A focused range that puts quality over quantity.

The Cuvées in Detail

Vintage 2016 Blanc de Noirs

Intense aromas of ripe red fruits and cherries with aged patina. On the palate powerful, round and precise with perfect balance of strength and freshness. Highlights: 100% Pinot Noir, 7 years lees aging, Extra Brut 2.5g/l, Bouzy Grand Cru.

The 2016 vintage is the highlight of the house for me and one of the best Blanc de Noirs I've had so far. Seven years of lees aging have given this champagne a maturity that goes far beyond what you find at most producers. The 2.5 g/l dosage lets the fruit and terroir shine through unfiltered. On the palate it's both powerful and precise — pure Bouzy, without compromises.

My tip: Don't drink this champagne as an aperitif, but with food. With aged Comté, a risotto with porcini mushrooms, or simply with a good piece of meat, it shows at its best.

Type: Blanc de Noirs | Vintage: 2016 | Grape varieties: Pinot Noir

Brut Sélection

Ripe apples and apricots on the nose, underscored by dried roses and brioche. On the palate creamy with notes of lemon cake and vanilla pudding, yet precise and fresh thanks to the low dosage. Highlights: creamy, ripe fruit, Bouzy power, reserve wine depth.

The Brut Selection is the house's calling card and shows how Paul Clouet combines Bouzy's power with elegance. The reserve wines in the blend give this champagne a depth and maturity you don't necessarily expect from a non-vintage. The creamy texture with lemon cake notes is almost decadent, but is kept in check by the precise acidity. A champagne that shows non-vintage and sophistication aren't contradictory.

Type: Brut | Grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier

Bouzy Vintage 2015

A powerful Blanc de Noirs with aromas of red berries, brioche, spice and toasted nuts. Full body with silky texture and long, spicy finish. Highlights: red berries, brioche, spicy, powerful.

The Bouzy Vintage 2015 is the big brother of the 2016 — even riper, even more opulent. The warmer 2015 vintage gives this champagne additional volume, and the toasted nut aromas suggest long contact with the lees. The spicy finish extends for minutes and leaves a lasting impression. A champagne for special occasions.

Type: Blanc de Blancs | Vintage: 2016 | Grape varieties: Pinot Noir

Posts about Paul Clouet

My Tastings

Conclusion

Paul Clouet is one of the most convincing producers in the Montagne de Reims for me. The combination of Grand Cru terroir in Bouzy, low dosages and extended lees aging produces champagnes that unite power and precision. Compared to the better-known Bouzy producers like André Clouet, Paul Clouet offers a similar level at fairer prices — a real insider tip for lovers of powerful, terroir-driven champagnes.