Bollinger, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, has been crafting some of the world’s most esteemed sparkling wines along with remarkable vintage reds. This article delves into the diverse range of Bollinger wines, each with its unique character and crafting process, celebrating the rich heritage and meticulous art of winemaking at Bollinger.

The Iconic Special Cuvee

The Blend and Aging Process

The Bollinger Special Cuvee represents the quintessential house style of Bollinger champagnes. This iconic blend comprises 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier, enriched by 10% reserve wines that add complexity and depth. Aged for up to five years, this cuvee is a testament to Bollinger’s dedication to quality.

Tasting Notes

With a bouquet of ripe fruit and spicy aromas, the Special Cuvee tantalizes the senses with notes of apple compote, roasted apples, and stone fruit. On the palate, it offers a refreshing acidity complemented by flavors of brioche, fresh walnut, pinpoint mousse, pear, and creme brulee.

Grande Annee

Crafting Excellence

The Grande Annee is a vintage champagne that embodies perfection, only produced when the harvest conditions are just right. Composed of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay, this cuvee spends five years aging on its lees, sealed with a traditional cork to enhance its maturation.

Flavor Profile

This cuvee boasts a sophisticated palette of brandied fruit, toasted bread, rhubarb, and exotic spices, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that are both bold and refined.

R.D.

Unique Aging

Marked by its extended aging period of at least eight years on the lees, R.D. stands for “Récemment Dégorgé,” reflecting its recent disgorgement that preserves its freshness and vigor. This technique is a hallmark of Bollinger’s innovative spirit.

Aroma and Taste

Known as James Bond’s champagne of choice, R.D. offers a robust aroma profile with notes of cocoa, ripe fruit, apples, and nutmeg, leading to a well-balanced, powerful palate and a lingering mineral finish.

Vieille Vignes Françaises

The Limited Production

Produced in minuscule quantities from the Chaudes Terres and Clos St-Jacques vineyards, Vieille Vignes Françaises is a rare cuvee. These vineyards are known for their low-density planting, which results in significantly less juice per vine but a much richer wine.

Sensory Experience

The wine features intense characteristics of mature vintages, offering a round, creamy mouthfeel with a distinctive saline touch of oyster shell on the finish.

Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants

Special Vineyard

This vintage red wine is sourced from the Echelle vineyard, known for its exceptional grape quality. The resulting wine is an exquisite expression of the terroir.

Preparation Advice

For optimal enjoyment, sommeliers recommend decanting La Côte aux Enfants before serving, which unveils its velvety texture and the subtle interplay of its flavors.

Reserve Wine

Strategic Storage

Each year, Bollinger sets aside select wines from the Premier and Grand Crus in magnums, corked and aged for five to fifteen years. With around 650,000 magnums in the cellar, these reserve wines are crucial for blending the Special Cuvee and other Bollinger wines.

A Legacy of Unmatched Quality

The Bollinger house continues to stand at the forefront of the champagne and wine industry, offering connoisseurs a chance to experience the pinnacle of winemaking. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore high-quality champagnes, Bollinger offers a sophisticated palette that promises to delight.