One of the historic houses in Chamapgne, Bollinger is one with an amazing past. Founded in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger as this house continues to be run by members of the Bollinger family. This house has been particularly popular in Britain as Bollinger Champagnes have been come to be known as “Bolly”. It is quite amazing that Bollinger dates back to 1585 when the Hennequins, one of the Bollinger founding families, owned land nearby. Before the Bollinger house was founded, in the 18th century the Villermont family made wine and then 1750, Villermont settled in the location 16 rue Jules Lobet, which would eventually become the head office for Bollinger.
In 1803 Jacques Joseph Placide Bollinger was born in modern day Germany and after moving to the Champagne region he started work at the Champagne house of Muller Ruinart. He then started the Champagne house Renaudin Bollinger was founded on 6 February 1829 in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Levieux Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger. The partners agreed that the Villermont name would not be used on the labels, hence the house name Renaudin Bollinger. Starting when Jacques Bollinger married Charlotte de Villermont, the house has been managed by the Bollinger family. Even though Paul Renaudin passed without an heir to his name, the label did not become solely Bollinger until the 1960s. Founder Jacques had two sons Joseph and Georges that were important in expanding the family estate by purchasing vineyards in nearby villages. The sons also developed the image of the brand, such as when Bollinger received a Royal Warrant in 1884 from Queen Victoria which still appears on their label.
Following the death of Jacques Bollinger in 1941, Lily Bollinger took over the brand and expanded production considerably. Since 1994, Ghislain de Mongolfier has managed Bollinger. A great-grandson of the founder, Mongolfier has also served as president of the Association Viticole Champenoise since 2004, after leading the Commission of Champagne for 10 years. Bollinger has had roles in many James Bond films, including the 1973 film Live and Let Die where Bond asks for a bottle of Bollinger entering his hotel. In the 1985 film A View to a Kill James Bond notes that his champagne is ‘Bollinger 1975.’
Bollinger produces a great range of Champagnes and is probably best known for their ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne that is Pinot Noir dominant and includes reserve wines that are up to fifteen years of age. I loved the new NV Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne (WWB, 91) which has a great sense of mouthfeel and great musty and biscuit flavors with light citrus components. Bollinger has gained a sterling reputation for their ‘La Grand Annee’ wines and I have certainly enjoyed many of these over the past few decades. Their new release, the 2012 Bollinger ‘La Grande Annee’ Champagne (WWB, 94) is dense and rich, with gorgeous layers of citrus fruits and a soft texture. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here are the beautiful new releases by Champagne Bollinger.
NV Champagne Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne- The NV ‘Special Cuvee’ by Bollinger starts off with ripe Gala apple and orange blossom tones that combine with biscuit and melon undertones on the nose. The palate has great freshness and a soft texture. Layers of baking spices and sourdough bread collide with minerals and lemon zest flavors. The length and mouthfeel is really great here, as this beautiful wine is best enjoyed over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 91
2012 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Annee’ Champagne- The 2012 ‘La Grand Annee’ is a seriously good wine that has massive cellaring potential. Marzipan with hints of nutmeg and brioche offer their place on the bouquet. The silky mousse really entices as layers of kumquat zest and Challah bread collide with minerals, smoke and lovely green apple tones on the palate. The length and elegance of this wine is really great, as is the lovely sense of texture. Long and generous, this has the richness and laser-like minerality to cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94