The Bollinger style is distinctive and acclaimed by connoisseurs for its adherence to rigorous methods and a deep respect for traditional principles passed down through generations. This approach highlights the fruit’s aromas in their fullest dimension. Bollinger wines are known for their dense and nuanced presence, balancing the intensity of great Pinot Noirs with the freshness of Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs. The creamy effervescence of Bollinger wines results from vinification in oak barrels and extended contact with the yeast, ensuring a unique tasting experience that consistently reveals new layers. This style is built on a foundation of five key principles: the House Vineyards, Pinot Noir, magnums of reserve wines, oak barrels, and time.
Over the years, Bollinger has cultivated vineyards in some of Champagne’s finest crus. The estate’s 180 hectares of vines consist of 85% Grand and Premier Crus, spread across seven distinct vineyards: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois, and Verzenay for Pinot Noir in the Montagne de Reims; Cuis for Chardonnay in the Côte des Blancs; and Champvoisy for Meunier in the Vallée de la Marne.
A unique aspect of Bollinger’s portfolio includes the Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres plots, which have never been affected by phylloxera. These ungrafted vines are meticulously tended by hand and propagated using a technique called provignage, preserving this exceptional heritage. The exclusive Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée is produced from these historic vines.
From the roots
The history of Champagne Bollinger is closely linked with its family forest in Cuis, which overlooks the estate’s 180 hectares of vineyards. The wood employed in winemaking is crafted with specialised techniques to naturally safeguard and enhance the finest wines. This approach promotes the development of exceptional aromas and creates cuvées with remarkable ageing potential.
Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 vintage:
The 2015 vintage embodies the Bollinger style more fully than any other. It is notably more opulent and powerful, with Pinot Noir taking centre stage. The exceptional weather in 2015, characterised by intense sunshine tempered by occasional rain showers, was a strong indicator of a great year. Bollinger’s expertise further ensured a high-quality harvest, which commenced on September 4th. The harvest yielded compact bunches of small berries with notably high acidity levels.
La Grande Année 2015 is a blend of 11 crus, featuring 60% Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and 40% Chardonnay from Chouilly and Avize. The wine undergoes fermentation entirely in oak barrels and is aged for more than twice the minimum time required by the appellation, sealed with a natural cork. The dosage is moderate at 8 grams per liter.
Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 in the glass:
With its yellow-gold reflections, the wine showcases both its maturity and Bollinger’s vinification techniques. The initial bouquet reveals an array of small stone fruits, including Pomme Gris, plum, and Mirabelle plum, accented by a hint of honey. This is followed by a complex blend of blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry, interwoven with notes of almond. Exotic hints of mango emerge, merging into tertiary aromas of vanilla and subtle wood. On the palate, the wine is rich and inviting, echoing the flavours of Mirabelle plum jam. Its texture and richness are striking, with a finish that combines chocolate and citrus notes, enhanced by a touch of acidity and extended by hints of schist. It’s a profoundly generous wine.
You cannot disagree with Madame Bollinger on this:
“I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and I drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.”
Food pairing suggestion: The two Michelin-starred Olivier Nasti recommends it with venison tartare with caviar.
Drink now or keep until 2030+.
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