Today we share the storied Champagne house, Bollinger. First founded in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger, at the present day 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.
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 am enamored by the new MV Bollinger ‘PN TX20’ (OB, 95) which is a big and burly style with amazing 9flavor range. This Pinot Noir beauty has based on the 2020 vintage. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here is my review of the beautiful new release by Champagne Bollinger.
MV Champagne Bollinger ‘PN TX20’ Champagne- The ‘PN TX20’ Champagne by Bollinger mainly comes from Tauxières terroir, as this utilizes a 2020 base year. It is golden in the glass, as 2008 and 2012 vintage wines make up more than 25% of the blend. It has an incredibly soft mousse, with a fat and unctuous mouthfeel. Starfruit and papaya fruits mingle well with ginger, and salted green melon on the palate, with cashew nut accents. Extremely complex and dense, enjoy this heady and delightful Champagne now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95