Today we share one of the great champagnes of the world, the new edition of ‘La Grande Année’ by Champagne Bollinger. I was able to taste this wine on several occasions last week and it is a total knockout champagne that is drinking remarkably well despite its obvious youth.
Bollinger is one of the great, historic houses of its region. It is an amazing place to visit. Founded back in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger. Today the 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. 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. The outstanding 2015 Bollinger La Grande Année’ Champagne (OB, 95) is a stunner that is rich and deep from this warm vintage. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here is my review of the beautiful new 2015 La Grande Année by Champagne Bollinger.
2015 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Année’ Champagne- A total stunner, the 2015 ‘La Grande Année’ speaks to the warmth of the vintage with its richness and primary fruit character. Once on then one this takes on shades of honey and wildflowers alongside rich melon and citrus rind fruit aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and big with refined effervescence and a glorious sense of weight. This gorgeous champagne will easily clear for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2040- 95