Bollinger : La Grande Année 2014

A fine and refined vintage champagne with a rare aromatic expression by Bollinger

The estate

Timeless and legendary, the Bollinger Champagne House, nicknamed "Boll" by the inhabitants of the Champagne region and "Bolly" by the English, is part of an exclusive group of fine Champagne houses. Champagne Bollinger’s style is defined by the exemplary precision brought to each step of the winemaking. The respect for traditions, riddling the bottles by hand, corking reserve magnum bottles, the last barrel maker in the Champagne region, the drive for excellence symbolises the whole culture of Bollinger champagne since its creation in 1829 in Aÿ. More than an art, it is a heritage.

The vineyard

Bollinger's uniqueness comes from its 174 hectares divided into seven main vineyards, 85% of which are Grands Crus and Premiers Crus of Champagne, which allow the house to be one of the few to produce its own grapes for its blends. Pinot Noir, the house's signature grape variety, accounts for 60% of the vineyard's vines.

The wine

La Grande Année 2014 by the Bollinger Champagne House stems from 19 exceptional vineyards situated in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The Pinot Noir grapes are mainly from Aÿ and Verzenay, while the Chardonnay grapes that complete the blend are mostly from Chouilly and Oiry.

Winemaking and ageing

Bollinger's La Grande Année is only made during exceptional years when the grapes showcase a perfect balance. The wine is made exclusively in small old barrels and ages in the darkness of the Bollinger cellars for twice the time recommended by the appellation.

This 2014 vintage results in a gastronomic champagne that harmoniously combines complexity, precision, aromatic intensity and minerality.

Blend

Pinot Noir (61%)
Chardonnay (39%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Grande Année 2014 by Bollinger

Tasting

Colour
The colour is of a beautiful golden hue. The effervescence is fine and delicate.

Nose
The nose reveals a highly complex aromatic palette. Opening up to fragrances of cherry, lemon, quince and bergamot, when aerated, the bouquet blends a subtle iodine note with aromas of hazelnut, almond, mirabelle plum and peach.

Palate
Fine and expressive, the palate entices with this champagne's subtle acidity, its delicate texture and its airy feel. It intensely stretches to a pleasant finish with a saline and exquisite length, combining with tree fruit and citrus scents.

To serve

For the best tasting, we recommend serving Bollinger’s Grande Année 2014 between 8 and 10°C.

Food and wine pairing

Bollinger's Grande Année 2014 will perfectly complement Mediterranean sea bass served with grilled potatoes and courgette flowers. Langoustine ravioli, foie gras or pan-fried scallops with citrus-flavoured butter and kombu seaweed are also refined food and wine pairing alternatives.