Champagne Bollinger, a brand that needs no introduction, is one of the world’s most reputable and well-known Champagne houses. With an experience of nearly two centuries in producing some of the finest Champagnes, it has amassed a considerable following among wine enthusiasts globally. Its repertoire includes Bollinger Special Cuvée, a signature non-vintage cuvée, and the much sought-after prestige cuvée, Bollinger R.D., among many others. In this article, we will delve into the story, legacy, and tasting observations of Champagne Bollinger.
Legacy and Story of Champagne Bollinger
In 1829, the trio of Athanase de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger founded the House of Bollinger. After marrying Athanase de Villermont’s daughter, Jacques Bollinger became the proprietor in 1884 and gave the House his name. Ever since, the family has owned the company, with Charles-Armand de Belenet, a descendant of Jacques Bollinger, presently serving as the managing director.
Champagne Bollinger’s vineyard holdings are one of the key factors that distinguish it from the rest. The House owns 174 hectares of vineyards, an enormous area compared to other Champagne houses. The vineyards have a high percentage of Pinot Noir, the grape variety that provides the Champagnes with their rich and robust character.
Champagne Bollinger’s success can also be attributed to its reliance on traditional winemaking techniques. The House still ferments its wines in oak barrels, a process that is both time-consuming and costly, but adds complexity and depth to the wine’s final taste. Additionally, the House uses a significant proportion of reserve wines in its blends, ensuring the Champagnes’ consistency year after year.
Tasting Observations of Champagne Bollinger
From the non-vintage Special Cuvée to the prestige cuvée Bollinger R.D., Bollinger produces a range of Champagnes. Here are some tasting observations for a few of them:
Bollinger Special Cuvée
A blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, with a considerable percentage of reserve wines, this non-vintage Champagne is the House’s signature cuvée. It has an aroma of nuts, brioche, and baked apple on the nose, while the taste is creamy and rich, with hints of honey and citrus.
Bollinger La Grande Année
This vintage Champagne is produced only in extraordinary years. It’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a significant proportion of Pinot Noir. The aroma of white flowers, citrus, and toast on the nose is followed by a full-bodied and complex taste, with flavors of peach, apricot, and honey.
Bollinger R.D.
The prestige cuvée R.D. stands for “Récemment Dégorgé,” which means “recently disgorged.” It’s a vintage Champagne aged for an extended period on its lees, resulting in a rich and intricate character. The aroma of toasted bread, dried fruits, and hazelnuts is followed by a full-bodied and robust taste, with flavors of quince, apricot, and honey. The Bollinger R.D. is an experience in itself, one that any Champagne lover should indulge in at least once.
Bollinger Rosé
This is a rosé Champagne made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. It has a delicate pink color and aromas of red berries, citrus, and toast. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of spice.
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