Bollinger
20 BOULEVARD DE MARECHAL DE LATTRE DE TASSIGNY 51160 AY
Champagne Bollinger has earned its place among the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses for over 190 years, producing exceptional Champagnes that are beloved by wine enthusiasts worldwide. Their signature non-vintage cuvée, the Bollinger Special Cuvée, and their prestige cuvée, the Bollinger R.D., are known for their rich and complex character, making them stand out in a crowded market.
The House of Bollinger was founded by Athanase de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger in 1829. Since then, the House has been family-owned, with the current managing director being Charles-Armand de Belenet, a descendant of Jacques Bollinger. This continuity of ownership has allowed the House to maintain its focus on traditional winemaking techniques that have been passed down through generations.
One of the critical factors that contribute to the distinct character of Champagne Bollinger is its vineyard holdings. The House owns 174 hectares of vineyards, which is a considerable amount compared to other Champagne houses. The high percentage of Pinot Noir in its vineyards gives its Champagnes their rich and powerful character.
Another aspect that sets Bollinger apart from other Champagne houses is its emphasis on traditional winemaking techniques. Bollinger still ferments its wines in oak barrels, a process that is time-consuming and expensive but adds complexity and depth to the finished wine. The House also uses a high proportion of reserve wines in its blends, which contributes to the consistency of its Champagnes year after year.
Now, let’s talk about the tasting notes of some of Bollinger’s most popular Champagnes. The Bollinger Special Cuvée, their signature non-vintage Champagne, has a rich and creamy palate with flavors of honey and citrus. The Bollinger La Grande Année, made only in exceptional years, has aromas of white flowers, citrus, and toast, while on the palate, it is full-bodied and complex, with flavours of peach, apricot, and honey. Finally, the Bollinger R.D., aged for an extended period on its lees, has aromas of toasted bread, hazelnuts, and dried fruits, with a full-bodied and powerful palate, featuring flavours of apricot, quince, and honey.
In conclusion, Champagne Bollinger has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious Champagne houses for a reason. Their vineyard holdings, traditional winemaking techniques, and emphasis on reserve wines result in Champagnes with a rich and complex character. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a well-deserved treat, a bottle of Champagne Bollinger is sure to impress.
Bollinger remain quite possibly one of the most famous family-owned champagne houses of all. Bollinger are well known for their dominance of the powerful and expressive Pinot Noir from Aÿ where they were founded, their use of magnums for production of all their wines and a traditional winemaking style incorporating fermentation in oak barrels which they have never deviated from.
They still have their own in-house Cooper who makes and manages their stock of some 3,500 barrels. That equates to about 1 million bottles being fermented in barrel that is the largest (along with Krug) than any other producer in the region. Currently Bollinger own some 164 hectares in some of the best sites across champagne.
