In the realm of Champagne, very few names conjure the same sense of tradition, excellence, and prestige as Bollinger. With nearly two centuries of crafting exceptional Champagne, Bollinger's unwavering commitment to quality and tradition has solidified its place as a revered and timeless producer of some of the world's finest sparkling wines. As you uncork and savor a bottle of Bollinger Champagne, you're not just experiencing a delicious glass; you're participating in a centuries-old legacy that continues to set the standard for excellence in the world of wine.
Today, I am thrilled to offer a thrilling collection of Champagnes from this iconic house. The Special Cuvée, which is aged for twice as long as required by appellation regulations, Grande Année, Bollinger's prestige cuvée, the exceedingly rare Vieilles Vignes Françaises, a Champagne derived from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, the 2008 R.D. (recently disgorged) both in 750ml and Magnum format, the PN TX 17, an assembly of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from the Tauxières cru, PN AYC 18, an assembly of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from the Aÿ cru, the exceptionally rare La Côte aux Enfants, a still red wine hailing from a slope just outside Aÿ, and for the first time ever, the 2013 Cote aux Enfants Champagne crafted from 100% Pinot Noir from an outstanding parcel.
The defining characteristic of Bollinger Champagne is its seamless blend of time-honored tradition and cutting-edge innovation. This Champagne house is one of the select few that adheres to the age-old method of fermenting wines in oak barrels. This traditional approach is complemented by state-of-the-art technology and rigorous quality control, assuring that each Bollinger bottle embodies the epitome of consistency and finesse.
Bollinger holds a Royal Warrant, first awarded by Queen Victoria in 1884, and is inextricably linked with the iconic fictional British secret agent, James Bond, as his Champagne of choice, first appearing in the movie Diamonds Are Forever. But no account of Bollinger Champagne's remarkable journey is complete without honoring the indomitable spirit of Madame Lily Bollinger, who played an instrumental role in shaping the legacy of this iconic Champagne house. With elegance and determination, she led the company through some of its most challenging moments, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on its history. Her profound love for Bollinger Champagne and dedication to maintaining its unwavering standards of excellence made her an inspirational figure in the wine world. Madame Bollinger's contributions are a testament to the fact that behind every great Champagne, there is often a remarkable individual, and in her case, a true matriarch of the industry. Her leadership and enduring legacy continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of winemakers and Champagne enthusiasts.
And of course, who can forget her now legendary quote: “I drink my Champagne 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 when I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.”
I invite you to enjoy this world-class selection of wines from Bollinger – while it lasts!
You must be of legal drinking age to enter and use this site. To find out more about responsible consumption, visit the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility at www.responsibility.org.