Champagne Bollinger, a name synonymous with elegance, refinement, and unwavering commitment to quality, represents the pinnacle of winemaking in the storied region of Champagne. Over nearly two centuries, Bollinger has carved a unique path, guided by the principles of tradition, innovation, and a profound respect for its terroir. As we embark on a captivating journey through the history of this iconic maison, we shall delve into the intricacies of Bollinger’s past, offering a comprehensive understanding of the house’s evolution, its signature Champagnes, and the extraordinary people who have shaped its destiny.
This expansive narrative will traverse the defining eras of Bollinger, delving into the challenges and triumphs that have forged the maison’s identity. From its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to its present-day status as a global powerhouse in the world of fine wine, Bollinger’s journey is a testament to the vision and determination of its trailblazing leaders. Alongside this fascinating tale of perseverance, we shall immerse ourselves in the sensory delights of Bollinger’s Champagnes, exploring the nuances of their wines through evocative tasting notes that capture the essence of each cuvée.
As we unravel the rich tapestry of Bollinger’s history, we will discover how the house has masterfully balanced tradition and innovation, embracing change while remaining steadfast in its adherence to time-honoured winemaking techniques. The result is a unique and captivating style that distinguishes Bollinger from its peers, earning the adoration of wine enthusiasts and collectors the world over.
So, pour yourself a glass of Bollinger’s finest, sit back, and join us as we embark on this effervescent exploration into the world of Champagne Bollinger – a journey that promises to delight, enlighten, and inspire.
The Founding Era (1829-1860)
The story of Champagne Bollinger begins with Athanase de Villermont, a young aristocrat and former soldier who inherited a vast vineyard estate in the Champagne region. Recognizing the potential of his terroir, yet unable to market his wines due to his noble status, de Villermont joined forces with German wine merchant Joseph Bollinger and French cellar master Paul Renaudin. The three men founded the house of Bollinger in 1829 in the village of Aÿ, with Joseph Bollinger’s name gracing the label.
Throughout the 1830s and 1840s, Bollinger meticulously cultivated its vineyards and honed its winemaking techniques. Joseph Bollinger’s expertise in international trade and Paul Renaudin’s exceptional winemaking skills propelled the house to success. By the 1850s, the brand’s reputation had grown significantly, with its Champagnes becoming sought after by European royalty and aristocracy.
During this period, Bollinger focused on perfecting their craft and establishing their reputation. They made significant strides in vineyard management, understanding the importance of terroir and the influence it had on the final product. A key decision in this era was to concentrate on the cultivation of Pinot Noir, a choice that would come to define Bollinger’s signature style. The house’s early Champagnes were already known for their depth, structure, and ability to age gracefully, setting the stage for Bollinger’s future success.
Expansion and Innovation (1860-1900)
Joseph Bollinger’s untimely death in 1860 marked the beginning of a new era for the maison, as his widow, Charlotte, took the reins. Demonstrating exceptional business acumen, Charlotte worked tirelessly to expand Bollinger’s vineyard holdings and develop new markets. Her leadership ushered in a period of rapid growth and innovation.
In 1876, she unveiled Bollinger’s first prestige cuvée, “Vieilles Vignes Françaises.” Made from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines, the cuvée was a testament to Bollinger’s commitment to preserving the region’s winemaking heritage. This milestone was followed by the introduction of the now-iconic Bollinger Special Cuvée in 1911, which became the house’s flagship non-vintage Champagne.
The late 19th century saw Bollinger grow from a regional player to an internationally recognized brand. Charlotte Bollinger’s leadership and vision led to increased exports, particularly to the British market. During this time, Bollinger fine-tuned its winemaking techniques, including the use of oak barrels for fermentation and ageing. This unique approach contributed to the development of a rich, complex style that set Bollinger apart from other Champagne houses.
The Early 20th Century (1900-1945)
The first half of the 20th century was a tumultuous time for the Champagne industry, as it contended with two world wars, the Russian Revolution, and the Great Depression. Bollinger, however, weathered these challenges and continued to innovate under the stewardship of Jacques Bollinger, Joseph and Charlotte’s son.
Jacques Bollinger’s tenure saw the development of the house’s signature style, characterised by an emphasis on Pinot Noir, the use of barrel fermentation, and extended ageing on the lees. This approach yielded Champagnes with exceptional depth, complexity, and longevity. Furthermore, Jacques worked to expand Bollinger’s vineyard holdings, with a focus on acquiring grand cru and premier cru sites.
As Bollinger navigated the upheavals of the early 20th century, its commitment to quality remained unwavering. Innovations during this period included the introduction of the gyropalette, a mechanised device for riddling bottles, which greatly improved the efficiency and consistency of the disgorgement process. Despite the challenges of war and economic turmoil, Bollinger continued to invest in its vineyards and cellar technology, further refining its signature style.
The Post-War Era (1945-1980)
In the post-war era, Bollinger was steered by another dynamic figure, Madame Lily Bollinger, Jacques’ widow. Taking charge in 1941, she quickly became a symbol of resilience and determination for the Champagne industry. Madame Lily was a tireless ambassador for Bollinger, travelling the world to promote her Champagnes and forging relationships with influential figures, including Sir Winston Churchill. In fact, Churchill’s admiration for Bollinger Champagne led to the creation of the Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged) cuvée in 1952, which was released in his honour.
Lily Bollinger’s relentless pursuit of excellence extended to the vineyards and cellars. She introduced the practice of “la taille à queue,” a pruning method that encourages low yields and high-quality grapes. Furthermore, she expanded Bollinger’s vineyard holdings and invested in modernising the winemaking facilities, while still maintaining the house’s time-honoured traditions.
Under the leadership of Madame Lily Bollinger, the house focused on expanding its reach and solidifying its status as a top-tier Champagne producer. During this period, Bollinger introduced new cuvées, such as the Bollinger R.D., which showcased the maison’s commitment to extended lees ageing. The house also continued to acquire prime vineyard sites, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality grapes for their wines.
The Modern Era (1980-Present)
The modern era of Bollinger began with the appointment of Claude d’Hautefeuille as Chairman in 1978, followed by the arrival of Ghislain de Montgolfier in 1994, a direct descendant of Joseph Bollinger. Under their leadership, Bollinger has continued to uphold its reputation for excellence while embracing change and innovation. In 2008, Bollinger launched the ambitious “Bollinger 007” project, which saw the maison partnering with the James Bond franchise, a collaboration that endures to this day.
The 21st century has seen Bollinger’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship grow stronger. The house has invested in organic and biodynamic practices, reduced its carbon footprint, and is working towards achieving full certification by the Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE), a French environmental certification for wineries.
Today, Bollinger is led by General Manager Charles-Armand de Belenet, who took the helm in 2017, and Cellar Master Gilles Descôtes, who joined the maison in 2003. Together, they continue to preserve the house’s rich heritage while propelling it into the future.
In the past four decades, Bollinger has been at the forefront of the Champagne industry’s evolution, embracing modern technology and marketing strategies while preserving its time-honoured traditions. The house has also focused on sustainability, implementing environmentally friendly practices in both the vineyards and cellars. Today, Bollinger is a global brand that represents the epitome of quality and craftsmanship in the world of Champagne.
Bollinger’s Signature Style
Champagne Bollinger’s distinctive style is marked by its emphasis on Pinot Noir, which lends power, structure, and depth to its wines. The house’s vineyard holdings are predominantly planted to Pinot Noir, with the remaining parcels dedicated to Chardonnay and a small portion to Pinot Meunier.
Bollinger’s winemaking approach is equally distinctive, featuring the use of oak barrels for fermentation and ageing, a practice that has become increasingly rare in the region. This method imparts subtle richness and complexity to the wines, while still preserving their freshness and vibrancy.
Extended lees ageing is another cornerstone of Bollinger’s style. The house’s Champagnes are aged far beyond the legal minimums, with the Special Cuvée resting on the lees for a minimum of three years and the prestige cuvées, such as La Grande Année and R.D., ageing for even longer. This extended ageing imbues the wines with a distinctive autolytic character, marked by notes of brioche, toasted nuts, and caramel.
Bollinger Wines and Tasting Notes
Bollinger Special Cuvée
The Special Cuvée is Bollinger’s flagship non-vintage Champagne. Composed of approximately 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier, it offers a beautiful balance of power, elegance, and complexity. Tasting notes typically include baked apple, citrus, and pear, with hints of brioche, almond, and a touch of spice.
Bollinger La Grande Année
This prestige cuvée is Bollinger’s tête de cuvée, produced only in exceptional vintage years. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay sourced exclusively from grand cru and premier cru vineyards, it is aged for a minimum of five years on the lees. La Grande Année is characterised by its richness, depth, and remarkable ageing potential. Expect notes of candied fruit, toasted nuts, honey, and a subtle minerality.
Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged)
The Bollinger R.D. is a unique expression of the house’s commitment to extended lees ageing. Produced from the same base wines as La Grande Année, this cuvée is aged for an even longer period on the lees (usually eight to ten years) before disgorgement. The extended ageing imparts an extraordinary complexity and depth to the wine, with tasting notes of dried apricot, hazelnut, toasted brioche, and a touch of truffle, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and a delicate minerality.
Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises
This rare and exceptional cuvée is produced from two small parcels of ungrafted Pinot Noir vines, which have miraculously survived the ravages of phylloxera. The wine is a true testament to Bollinger’s dedication to preserving the region’s winemaking heritage. With a very limited production, Vieilles Vignes Françaises is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. The wine exhibits profound depth, concentration, and complexity, with notes of black cherry, fig, spice, and a hint of earthiness, supported by a firm backbone of acidity and fine tannins.
Bollinger Rosé
The Bollinger Rosé is a relatively recent addition to the house’s portfolio, first released in 2008. Comprising approximately 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay, and 14% Pinot Meunier, this non-vintage rosé is produced by blending a small amount of red wine sourced from Bollinger’s own vineyards. The result is a vibrant, elegant rosé with notes of wild strawberries, red currants, and a touch of rose petal, complemented by the classic Bollinger autolytic character.
The history of Champagne Bollinger is a remarkable story of vision, perseverance, and dedication to quality. From its founding in 1829 to the present day, the house has remained steadfast in its commitment to producing exceptional Champagnes that are true to their terroir and reflective of the unique Bollinger style. As we raise a glass to toast this iconic maison, we are reminded of the wise words of Madame Lily Bollinger herself:
“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 drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty.”
Madame Lily Bollinger
