Bollinger

Bollinger is an iconic name in the world of fine wines, particularly known for its luxurious and prestigious Champagnes. Founded in 1829 by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger, the winery is situated in the village of Ay, in the heart of the Champagne region of France. Over the years, Bollinger has become synonymous with excellence and tradition, cultivating a reputation for producing rich, complex, and refined Champagnes favored by connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.

The Bollinger House has remained steadfastly family-owned, and its dedication to quality starts in the vineyard. The winery owns an impressive 178 hectares of vines, mostly in Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, ensuring that it can maintain strict control over the quality of the grapes used in its Champagnes. The majority of these vineyards are planted with Pinot Noir, a grape that endows Bollinger Champagnes with their characteristic power and depth.

The winemaking process at Bollinger emphasizes traditional methods, including fermentation in oak barrels, something that only a handful of Champagne houses continue to practice. This process imparts additional complexity and aromatics to the wine while allowing for micro-oxygenation, which helps to enhance the wine's texture and bouquet. Moreover, Bollinger's commitment to excellence is demonstrated by its extended aging on lees. Their non-vintage wines are aged for at least three years, and their vintage wines even longer, greatly surpassing the minimum requirements for Champagne. This extended aging contributes to the fine mousse and the distinctive toasty character for which Bollinger is celebrated.

Bollinger offers a range of Champagnes, from the robust and refined Special Cuvée, which sets the house style with its full-bodied richness and complexity, to the vintage La Grande Année, a wine that showcases the best qualities of single exceptional harvests. Then there's the prestige cuvée, R.D. (Recently Disgorged), which spends an extraordinary amount of time in the cellar, allowing it to develop unparalleled depth and complexity before release. And for those seeking something truly rare and unique, the Vieilles Vignes Françaises is produced from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines, a real historical treasure within the Champagne region, offering a glimpse into the flavors of the past.

Bollinger's winery and cellars are open to visitors by appointment, and tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of luxury Champagne production. From the traditional Coquard presses to the labyrinth of cellars housing over 3 million bottles, a visit to Bollinger is a journey through history, craftsmanship, and taste.

For those who delight in the interplay of luxury travel, food, and wine, Bollinger presents a compelling narrative. Enjoying a glass of Bollinger Champagne is not merely a tasting experience; it's an indulgence in a legacy of winemaking that has been revered since the 19th century. The Champagne's rich, toasty flavors and fine bubbles make it an excellent companion to gourmet meals, with the power to elevate any occasion to a celebration. Whether it's enjoyed in an elegant dining room, a serene vineyard setting, or a sophisticated urban wine bar, Bollinger epitomizes the allure and finesse of French winemaking at its finest.