Bollinger
Champagne La Grande Année Brut 2018
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 66% Pinot Nero, 34% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Matured in small French oak barrels (205, 225 and 410 l) and subsequently aged in the bottle in the cellar for at least 5 years, with maturation under a cork stopper. |
- Prestigious 2018 cuvée: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, Champagne AOC Brut
- Artisanal production: hand-harvested, riddling and disgorgement carried out by hand
- Extended ageing: French oak and at least 5 years in bottle on the lees
- Sensory profile: extremely fine perlage; pear, peach, bread crust, spices, toasted finish
- Awards and info: 12.5% vol; Decanter 94, Hachette 2 stars, Suckling 96; sulphites
Description
What kind of wine it is
La Grande Année Brut Champagne by Bollinger is a sparkling wine of great structure, crafted according to the strict standards of the Traditional Method. This blend is the result of a careful selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Visually, it stands out for its extremely fine and persistent perlage, heralding an elegant bouquet with notes of pear, peach, bread crust and spices. On the palate, it reveals a creamy texture, supported by vibrant freshness and savouriness, with hints of fruit compote and quince. The sip concludes with a long and pleasantly toasted finish.
Where it comes from
Production originates in the heart of France, in the renowned Champagne region, with particular attention to the crus of the Vallée de la Marne. The grapes are sourced from nineteen selected villages: Aÿ, Verzenay and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for Pinot Noir, while Chouilly and Cuis are the preferred areas for Chardonnay. The vineyards are planted on chalky and limestone soils, which ensure optimal drainage. The continental climate, tempered by Atlantic influences, encourages slow ripening, preserving the integrity and aromatic intensity of the grapes.
How it is produced
The vines, trained using the Guyot system, are tended with a strict manual harvest. Only the first pressing cuvée is used for vinification, initially fermented in stainless steel tanks. This is followed by a period of maturation in French oak barrels before the final blend is created. As required by the Traditional Method, the riddling and disgorgement stages are carried out by hand. The wine then undergoes a lengthy maturation on the lees for at least five years, a period well above the minimum required, which gives the Champagne extraordinary complexity and structure.
History and Curiosities
Since 1829, Bollinger has passed down artisanal mastery. The 2018 vintage of La Grande Année Brut is born from meticulous hand selection and outstanding craftsmanship, standing out for its hand riddling and disgorgement. Made using only the cuvée, this prestigious Champagne undergoes an exceptional five-year maturation in bottle with a cork stopper, far exceeding the strict requirements of the appellation. Finally, expert ageing in small French oak barrels imparts an elegantly creamy texture to the palate.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1829
- Hectares: 160
This distinctive taste is the result of a particular affinity for the elegance of Pinot Noir, uncompromising excellence, an exceptional vineyard and artisanal expertise passed down with the utmost care since 1829. As Madame Bollinger, whose legendary vitality still permeates the estate today, would surely have suggested, Champagne Bollinger is above all about sharing powerful emotions among great wine lovers. Read more
| Name | Bollinger Champagne La Grande Annee Brut 2018 |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 66% Pinot Nero, 34% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Bollinger |
| Story | History and Curiosities Since 1829, Bollinger has passed down artisanal mastery. The 2018 vintage of La Grande Année Brut is born from meticulous hand selection and outstanding craftsmanship, standing out for its hand riddling and disgorgement. Made using only the cuvée, this prestigious Champagne undergoes an exceptional five-year maturation in bottle with a cork stopper, far exceeding the strict requirements of the appellation. Finally, expert ageing in small French oak barrels imparts an elegantly creamy texture to the palate. |
| Origin | Valle della Marna |
| Climate | Continental with high rainfall moderated by Atlantic influences; slow ripening conditions |
| Soil composition | Suoli calcarei gessosi di origine organica |
| Cultivation system | Classic Guyot |
| Production technique | Traditional method; riddling and disgorgement performed by hand; fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing in French oak barrels; manual harvest |
| Wine making | Exclusive use of the cuvée. Fermentation in stainless steel vats and ageing in French oak barrels after blending; fermentation carried out in barrels. Remuage and disgorgement performed by hand. Maturation with a cork stopper and bottle ageing in the cellar for at least 5 years. |
| Aging | Matured in small French oak barrels (205, 225 and 410 l) and subsequently aged in the bottle in the cellar for at least 5 years, with maturation under a cork stopper. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |