Bollinger, 2012, une Grande Année
Maison Bollinger was founded in 1829 by Athanase de Villermont in association with Joseph Bollinger and Paul Renaudin. Bollinger kept its family spirit over the years. James Bond lovers knows how famous is this Maison, but for true champagne connoisseurs, Bollinger is above all well-knowed for the quality and excellency of their champagnes.
Maison Bollinger owns a 174 hectares vineyard which is certified « Haute Valeur Environnementale (High Environmental Value).
At Bollinger’s, each cuvée « La Grande Année » is the result of a craftsmanship preserved since many generations. The wine is exclusively vinified in using a very old method, in small 20 years old oak barrels, and maintained with care over the years in the House’s cooperage, who has more than 3500 barrels. This method ensures the development of aromas of a great finesse. Following an aging period on lees, every bottle of La Grande Année is still disgorged by hand. Thanks to its density and incomparable creamy texture, La Grande Année is a true gastronomic wine. Harvests of the very best quality only are used to create a Bollinger vintage: the outstanding 2012 harvest gave birth to generous wines, energetic and complex.
La Grande Année 2012
A blend composed of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay and exclusively sourced from 21 crus which are mainly located in the village of Aÿ and Verzenay for Pinot Noir, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry for Chardonnay. The result is a gastronomic champagne, which unveils a marvelous golden hue. Once opened, the nose is expressive, and develops apricot, almond and hazelnut aromas, with a touch of honey. The palate offers an exceptional creamy texture. Dense and persistent both, it has a great length full of freshness and lead to beautiful bitter and saline aromas. La Grande Année 2012 is absolutely unique, and can be enjoyed immediately (must be served between 8 and 10°C), or later as this cuvée just starts its apogee, which will continue to mature in the next 15 years, without any problem. This cuvée can be enjoyed for the aperitif, or during the meal with scallops, grilled oysters with smoked butter, a poultry or with a potato and truffle emulsion. This champagne is amazing with soft paste cheeses such as Brie or Saint Marcellin. It is marvelous with a goat cheese with truffle oil and parmesan. Just outstanding dishes for an extraordinary champagne!
La Grande Année Rosé 2012
La Grande Année Rosé 2012 is the result of an encounter between an extraordinary vintage champagne and a red wine sourced from a unique plot, which is a monopoly of the Maison : the famous « Côte aux enfants » also known as « La romanée-Conti » of the Champagne region. Anecdotally, the vineyard of Champagne was famous for its red wines. These red wines were Henri IV’s favorite, therefore they were very popular in the « cour de France » (every person living close to the King). Through the years, Jacques Bollinger patiently reconstructed the 4 hectares in one piece from this locality, while more than fifty owners shared it before the phylloxera crisis! La Côte aux Enfants is cultivated in using organic farming methods since 2009. La Grande Année Rosé has therefore a huge aging potential and
combines a great complexity and elegance. It is elaborated from a blend composed of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay, and unveils a delicate pink hue and offers gooseberry and black fruit aromas, with beautiful citrus notes. The palate is amazingly gourmand. Its freshness and creamy texture offer a powerful champagne of great complexity. The richness of its texture and its creamy effervescence are the perfect match to the most refined cuisine, with noble products such as doe, pigeon or guinea fowl, and oriental cuisine too.