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Established in Ay in 1829, the house of Bollinger makes “classic, Pinot dominated Champagnes of great potential longevity and complexity” (Tom Stevenson). Packed with mouthfilling orchard fruit flavours, it comes in an impressively imposing jeroboam.
Tasting notes
Dry, creamy, very fine and toasty with a rich fruitiness
Aroma
Classic Champagne notes of brioche and honey
More information
Run by Ghislain de Montgolfier, great-grandson of the founder, Bollinger remains family owned. The winemaker uses Pinot Noir in the Special Cuvée to lend berry richness while Chardonnay gives elegance and creaminess. What’s more, nearly all the grapes come from Grand or Premier Cru vineyards and the majority of the blend is reserve wine. No wonder it has such complexity. Madame Lily Bollinger, in charge from 1941 to 1971, was Bollinger’s greatest ambassador. Asked how she enjoyed her Champagne, she replied: “I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it — unless I’m thirsty!”