Bollinger
The House of Bollinger, established in 1829 by Jacques Bollinger and Paul Renaudin, has become one of the most renowned Champagne houses worldwide. Its expansion, particularly in vineyard holdings, saw the largest growth during the tenure of the legendary Mme Lily Bollinger, who managed the company from 1941 to 1977. Currently, Bollinger is managed by Ghislain de Montgolfier, her great-nephew. The company has a reputation for producing massive champagnes with body, depth, and power, which can age gracefully for many years.
Bollinger produces classic, complex, and Pinot-Noir-dominated champagnes, with over 70% of the grapes coming from its own vineyards. The harvest, which accounts for 80% of the production, is barrel-fermented and kept on yeast lees for an extended period, with the RD champagne, for instance, being aged for around 10 years.
Pinot noir, a demanding grape that requires meticulous care throughout the winemaking process, takes up over 60% of Bollinger's vineyards. This proportion also features in the Special Cuvée blend, highlighting the company's commitment to showcasing the grape's finesse, power, body, and vinosity. Bollinger's identity has been rooted in this founding principle from the beginning, and it has become a signature of the Bollinger style.
The non-vintage Special Cuvée, Grande Année, Grande Année Rosé, and Champagne R.D. are among Bollinger's top-of-the-line benchmark champagnes.
Bollinger is without exception highly rated by wine journalists and wine/champagne lovers.
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