Description
The house of Bara was founded in 1833 in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims region of Champagne. It has been handed down through generation after generation over 180 years, yet it was Paul Bara who really made a name for the Bara family with his production of grower-producer Champagne in the mid-20th century. He had to start almost from scratch because the Nazis depleted most of the aging bottles in their cellar during the German occupation of France. However, he persevered and built the cellar stock, as well as the House, back up into one of the leading négotiants-manipulants in Bouzy. Today Paul Bara is run by his eldest daughter, Chantale, who is doing a fine job continuing her family's legacy. The estate covers 11 hectares which are sustainably farmed and planted mostly to Pinot Noir (as is common in Bouzy) and a little Chardonnay.
Like all of Paul Bara’s releases, Pinot Noir is the back-bone of their Special Club. Production is strictly old-school, with only free run and first press juice used, fermentation in small cement tanks, and aging and riddling in cold, extremely deep cellars for several years. Nothing is released until ready. Each year, the Special Club represents the pinnacle of the Bara process and style. Superlatives seem to be insufficient when describing the experience of savoring a glass of this Champagne. It simply has it all—refined hazel-nutty, toasty notes, bright acidity, some of the most delicate bubbles ever created, and a finish that lasts and lasts—sometimes longer than the bottle does!
