Paul Girard was born into great vineyards, but not into a domaine. In 2018, after finishing his studies in viticulture and enology and at just 23 years old, he returned home to Les Mesnil-sur-Oger. In two Grand Cru villages at the heart of the Côte des Blancs, where his father’s vines hail from Mesnil and his mother’s from Oger, Paul has started stitching together his family’s holdings into something entirely his own.

Girard-Bonnet is now one of Champagne’s most exciting young grower estates. Certified organic and on track for full Demeter biodynamic certification, Paul farms his twelve hectares of inherited chardonnay with quiet intensity and vinifies with clarity and control using native yeasts, minimal sulfur, and long élevage on full lees.

Recueil Extrait No. 1 is the first in an ongoing series of one-off wines: cuvées that exist only once, inspired by the singular character of each vintage. The 2018 edition is split evenly between old-vine parcels in Les Mesnil and Oger. With just a whisper of dosage (1.5 g/L) this is Champagne of detail and generosity. There’s richness here, but also length and lift; ripeness, but also reserve. It’s approachable now, but built for the long haul. Just one tank. Just one time. A brilliant beginning from a producer we can’t wait to follow.

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These wines are pre-arrival with an estimated ship date of early fall. Your wines will ship as weather permits and the daily range is consistently between 45 and 74 degrees. Please note pre-arrival sales are non-refundable as suppliers require us to make binding commitments and deposits to secure the wine.