Producer Profile
Bollinger
Since 1829, Champagne Bollinger has been making great wines with a powerful, refined and complex style, expressing the aromas of the fruit in all its dimensions. This truly unique taste is the result of a particular affinity for the elegance of pinot noir, uncompromising excellence, an exceptional vineyard and traditional craftsmanship handed down through the generations.
The story begins with Athanase de Villermont, who inherited the estate on the outskirts of Ay. But as he was a member of the aristocracy, he was forbidden from taking part in any commercial activity. Then he met Joseph Bollinger, and Paul Renaudin, and in 1829, the company Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie was founded.
Eventually, Joseph’s son Georges Bollinger took control of the business. He led Bollinger through the phylloxera crisis, the vine grower’s revolt, and World War One. He devoted all his energy to the village of Ay and the running of Bollinger. In turn, his son Jacques eventually took over in 1918, until his death when his wife Elisabeth Bollinger took over management, as Madame Bollinger. She left an inedible mark on the Houses history, as she ran the House until 1971. The family continued to hold management of the House until 2008. Today they continue to uphold the traditional principles and values.
Over the years, Bollinger has built up its vineyards at the heart of the finest crus in Champagne. Their vines are made cup of 85% Grand and Premier Crus across 7 different vineyards. Another of their distinctive features, are their two plots which have never succumbed to phylloxera. These ungrafted vines are entirely tended by hand, to preserve heritage and for use in their very exclusive Vieilles Vignes Cuvee.
The Bollinger style is highly recognisable, and traditional above all else. This style expresses the aromas of the fruit in all its dimensions. It has a dense, and subtle presence, and a balance of the intensity of great Pinot Noirs, and the freshness of Chardonnays. The wines release a creamy effervescence resulting from vinifying in oak barrels and prolonged contact with yeasts. The style stems from a solid base, rooted in 5 principles; the House Vineyards, Pinot Noir, magnums of reserve wines, the barrels, and time.
