Champagne Bollinger

The history of Bollinger champagnes dates back to 1700

It all began in the 1700s with the De Villermont family. At that time, the name Bollinger was not yet present. The De Villermont family settled in Ay in 1650 and produced a well-made sparkling wine. But Athanase Louis Emmanuel Hennequin dit Comte de Villermont was an aristocrat. As such, and according to the laws of the time, he was not allowed to commercialize alcohol. This didn't bother him much, as he didn't want to see his name appear on bottles. That's why, in 1829, on his return from a stay in the United States, where he was fighting as a naval officer, he decided to join forces with two bourgeois merchants and experts in viticulture: Paul Renaudin and Jacques Joseph Bollinger.

Thus were born the Champagnes Bollinger-Renaudin. The Renaudin name disappeared in 1960. Paul Renaudin had no children of his own. Following the death of his widow, and after a period of reflection, it was decided to withdraw his name from the brand. The Villermont and Bollinger families remained united through the marriage of Jacques Joseph Bollinger to Charlotte de Villermont. Today, this great family still reigns over the family business and the vineyards.

It was Joseph and Georges Bollinger, the couple's children, who would grow and evolve the estate by purchasing several vineyards. During this period, Champagne Bollinger-Renaudin's reputation grew steadily, with orders from several European royalty. In 1884, for example, the Queen of England endorsed Bollinger-Renaudin as one of the official suppliers to the British court.

The grandson, Jacques, like his grandfather, took over the reins of the house in 1918. But on his death, his widow, Elizabeth Bollinger, would run the estate until 1971. In an era when women were rarely in power, she led the family business with a masterful hand. It was she who created the great vintages and great cuvées that made Champagne Bollinger's reputation grow from strength to strength.

Today, Champagne Bollinger is known for its expertise and exceptional quality. It's easily classified as a Luxury Champagne. And for younger generations, it's James Bond's champagne. Indeed, the famous British hero always takes the time to drink a glass in every opus.

The Bollinger vineyard is largely based on Pinot Noir

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The Bollinger family's vineyard covers 178 hectares around Ay in the Champagne region. 100 are devoted to the Pinot Noir that is the hallmark of Bollinger champagnes. It is this vine that will give the wines their perfect structure. These vines are perfectly aligned, the major visual characteristic that makes Bollinger vineyards recognizable. 85% of the vineyard is dedicated to grand and premiers crus. There are seven main vineyards: Ay, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Venerzay devoted to Pinot Noir, Cuis for Chardonnay and Champvoisy for Meunier.

The Maison Bollinger is the last to have its own cooper. He takes care of maintaining the fûts, some of which are a hundred years old. Of course, he also makes more modern barrels while respecting ancestral craftsmanship. More than just know-how, this is an increasingly rare French heritage.

What is the style of Bollinger champagnes?

Bollinger Champagnes are refined, complex wines.The vines are worked to bring you powerful wines that leave plenty of room for the aromas of the vine.The much-loved Pinot Noir and its bluish, almost black berries will bring all the power and character to the champagnes. Chardonnay will slightly soften the strong presence of Pinot Noir, and its small yellow berries will bring nutty and citrus aromas. Finally, Meunier, a very juicy grape variety, will bring rounder.

Bollinger only works with quality grapes to create exceptional wines. The house ages its wines as long as necessary, most of the time exceeding A.O.C. standards. This is what makes the champagnes even more delicate and their texture more velvety. Excellence is the house motto.

What are Maison Bollinger's grands crus?

Maison Bollinger produces several different crus:

Bollinger - La Côte des enfants

This is a red wine produced rather confidentially, 100% Pinot noir aged 8 months in oak barrels. It's a tannic wine with black fruit and elderberry aromas.

Bollinger - Le Spécial Cuvée

This is a champagne with very fine bubbles with 60% Pinot noir. It is characterized by great aromatic complexity with notes of ripe fruit and spice and on the palate, aromas of pear and brioche. It's the perfect accompaniment to your fish and shellfish dishes and white meats.

Le Bollinger rosé

This is a fresh, structured champagne that has been blended with 5% red wine. It's a subtle, deep champagne that reveals aromas of red fruits. Enjoy it with fruit desserts, shellfish dishes and Japanese meals.

Bollinger vintage 2012

This is a hand-disgorged champagne whose fermentation is carried out entirely in oak casks. This is a very expressive golden champagne. On the nose, there are notes of apricot and hazelnut, with hints of honey. On the palate, it's a textured, structured wine with a satin-like effect. Serve it between 8 and 10 degrees to show off its exceptional style. It is available in a rosé version, which makes it more gourmand and creamy on the palate.

Bollinger vintage 2004

This is an exceptional old vintage. It is an incredibly fresh and aromatic champagne. Its maturation time exceeds the appellation rules by 4 times. It's a brilliant, deep champagne with fruit aromas, led by mirabelle plum and orange. Generous, on the palate it reveals intense sensations of candied fruit and tarte Tatin.

Bollinger vintage 2009

Finally, we can't mention the Bollinger grands crus without mentioning the 2009 vintage, Vielles Vignes Française 2009. A 100% Pinot Noir champagne, it is grown right next to the House on two very old vineyard plots, among the few that survived the Phylloxera crisis. Entirely hand-crafted according to ancient customs, this champagne is exceptionally deep. Gourmet, it presents a broad palette of aromas. Exceptional champagne requires exceptional accompaniment. Take the time to savor it with caviar or truffles.