Bollinger : La Grande Année 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Bollinger La Grande Année 2018

Tasting

Appearance

A beautiful pale golden yellow hue, the color is enhanced by subtle bronze highlights.

Nose

The bouquet is expressive and complex, revealing aromas of white-fleshed fruits such as yellow apple and poached pear, accompanied by notes of Mirabelle plum and wildflowers. With aeration, nuances of delicate pastry, brioche, smoky minerality reminiscent of gunpowder, and biscuit unfold, reflecting the long aging on lees.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne offers a broad and finely chiseled texture, supported by a persistent salinity. The balance between suppleness and vibrancy is remarkable, with a phenolic structure that generously frames the fruit without ever dominating. The finish lingers elegantly, leaving a mineral and slightly chalky impression that highlights the expression of the terroir.

Food and wine pairings

The "La Grande Année" 2018 cuvée pairs beautifully with tuna carpaccio enhanced with marinated vegetables such as daikon, white carrot, and fennel, lifted by lemongrass. This champagne also complements pan-seared veal medallions with garlic and sage, served with white lentils. Shellfish, crab, and lobster also make excellent pairings.

Serving and cellaring

It is recommended to serve the "La Grande Année" 2018 cuvée at a temperature between 8 and 10°C. This champagne can be enjoyed now while also offering considerable aging potential, with optimal development through around 2035.

A delicate champagne with beautiful vibrancy, the signature of Bollinger excellence

The estate

Founded in 1829 in Aÿ by Athanase de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Joseph Bollinger, the Bollinger House remains one of the few family-owned and independent champagne houses. Now led by Étienne Bizot, great-grandnephew of the legendary Madame Lily Bollinger, the House owns 178 hectares of vineyards, 85% of which are classified as grand cru or premier cru. Bollinger stands out for its commitment to artisanal methods, notably fermentation in oak barrels and the maintenance of a full-time cooper. The House has held the Royal Warrant for 140 consecutive years, an absolute record for a champagne house.

The vineyard

The "La Grande Année" 2018 cuvée is made from a blend of nineteen prestigious crus from Champagne. The grand crus of Aÿ and Verzenay, located in the Montagne de Reims, form the backbone of this champagne, with their chalky soils imparting concentration and minerality to the grapes. These terroirs benefit from optimal exposure and limestone geology that moderates climatic conditions, allowing ideal ripening of Pinot Noir. Chardonnay parcels come notably from Chouilly, Cuis, and Avize, bringing freshness and elegance to the blend.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage in Champagne was marked by exceptional weather conditions. After a very rainy winter and spring, the summer proved extremely dry and hot, with 750 hours of sunshine between April and June. Budburst occurred on April 15 and flowering on May 30, ten days ahead of the ten-year average. Harvest began early on August 23 for Pinot Noir. The grapes showed natural sugar levels above 10.4 degrees Brix, with particularly high tartaric acidity and very low malic acidity, ensuring a natural balance favorable for aging.

Vinification and aging

The "La Grande Année" 2018 cuvée was vinified according to the House’s traditional methods. All base wines were fermented in old oak barrels from Bourgogne, a practice maintained since 1829. The champagne was then aged on lees for more than eight years, gradually developing its aromatic complexity. Riddling and disgorgement were carried out entirely by hand, using a method introduced in 2014 that employs the champagne’s natural carbon dioxide to protect the wine from oxidation during disgorgement.

Grape varieties

Pinot Noir (66%), primarily from Verzenay, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
Chardonnay (34%), from Chouilly, Cuis, and Avize