Bollinger : La Grande Annee 2015

Tasting Notes and Serving Tips for Bollinger's La Grande Année 2015

Tasting

Appearance
Delicate, the color of La Grande Année reveals golden highlights.

Nose
The nose is expressive and complex. It opens with a bouquet of stone fruits such as apple, plum and mirabelle plum. It evolves toward red fruit aromas, notably blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry and raspberry. Finally, it reveals exotic notes along with tertiary vanilla notes and a delicate touch of oak.

Palate
On the palate, La Grande Année proves full-bodied and expansive, offering a generous mouthfeel reminiscent of mirabelle plum jam. Texture and richness are the hallmarks of this tasting experience. On the finish, notes of chocolate and citrus intertwine, bringing a touch of refreshing acidity, extended by a subtle nuance of schist.

Serving

It is recommended to serve La Grande Année at a temperature between 8 and 10°C in order to highlight its style and aromas.

Food and wine pairing

This champagne will pair perfectly with pan-seared foie gras with caramelized apples, roasted duck breast, or chocolate cream dessert.

A Prestigious Vintage Champagne by Bollinger

The estate

Nicknamed "Boll" by the people of Champagne or "Bolly" by the English, the timeless and legendary House of Champagne Bollinger belongs to the small circle of the greatest Champagne houses. The style of Bollinger champagne is defined by the exemplary precision brought to every stage of production. Respect for tradition, hand riddling of bottles, cork sealing of reserve magnums—this pursuit of excellence embodies the entire culture of Bollinger champagne since its founding in 1829 in Aÿ. More than an art, it is a heritage.

The vineyard

Bollinger draws its distinctiveness from its 174 hectares spread across seven main vineyards, including 85% Grand and Premier Cru sites in Champagne, which allow the house to be one of the rare few to produce its own grapes for its blends. The house's signature grape variety, Pinot Noir, accounts for 60% of the vineyard's plantings.

The wine

La Grande Année is crafted from 21 exceptional crus of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The Pinot Noir grapes come mainly from Aÿ and Verzenay, while the Chardonnay grapes rounding out the blend are primarily sourced from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oiry.

Blend

This 2015 vintage champagne is crafted from a blend of Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%).