Bollinger Champagne - The Great Year 2015
Established in Aÿ since 1829, Bollinger crafts characterful champagnes where vinification in oak barrels, patient aging, and manual riddling forge a rich and profound signature. The house favors Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, cultivates an artisanal approach, and champions extended aging under cork to enhance complexity and texture.
The flagship Champagne Bollinger, La Grande Année 2015, was born from a sun-drenched vintage. The blend comprises 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from eleven crus, with a strong base in Verzenay, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for the Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels, and the bottles then age under cork for more than twice the legally required period before a late disgorgement. The dosage remains moderate at 8 grams per liter to preserve the wine's vibrancy and the expression of the terroir.
The nose opens with a depth of ripe yellow fruits, mirabelle plum and white peach, lifted by notes of roasted pineapple, orange zest, and a light honey patina. Aeration reveals hazelnut, toast, a touch of beeswax, and a hint of spice framing the fruity heart. On the palate, the attack is ample and perfectly balanced by a creamy effervescence. The mid-palate combines white fruit flesh, ripe citrus, and a saline structure that elongates the palate. The wine, dense and tightly structured, retains a refreshing character. The finish is long, clean, and concentrated, with hints of delicate brioche, light cocoa, and warm stone that prolong the persistence.
At the table, the 2015 vintage shines brightly with a Bresse chicken with morels, a lobster roasted in brown butter, a sole with roasting juices, or a turbot with champagne sauce. It finds a perfect match with matured Parma ham, aged Parmesan risotto, pan-fried chanterelles, or a 24-month-old Comté cheese whose sweetness underscores its concentration.
Grape varieties: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
