Bollinger : RD Recemment Degorge 1976

An exceptional Champagne, where roundness meets elegance

The estate

Timeless and mythical, the Bollinger Champagne house, "Boll" for people from Champagne or "Bolly" for the English, is part of a small circle of great Champagne houses. Founded in 1829 in Ay, in the Marne department, the Bollinger Champagne house has built upon a style marked by originality and excellence through close attention, from procuring the grapes to winemaking. Fermentation is carried out in small oak barrels and the aging of vintage cuvees takes over ten years, twice as long as indicated in the specifications for this appellation.

The vineyard

The 1976 R.D. Recemment Degorge is made from grapes, 70% of which come from the vineyards of the Bollinger house, predominantly comprising Grand Crus and Premier Crus. These grapes make up up to 95% of the composition of the final blend.

The champagne

It was during the 1960s that the house produced the R.D. "Recemment Degorgee" cuvee, a symbol of Bollinger’s creative daring. Conceived by the celebrated Madame Bollinger, the R.D. cuvee is a vintage "Extra Brut" champagne aged on lees, offered for tasting just after disgorgement. Unfettered by time restraints, the R.D. Bollinger cuvee, by creating a unique taste, lies at the root of a revolution in the world of Champagne.

The vintage

An exceptional cuvee produced only during great years, the 1976 R.D. Bollinger reveals the exceptional aromatic expression of its vintage in a Champagne which took the time to develop while retaining its shine. The 1976 vintage was characterised by perfectly ripe and healthy grapes, thanks to a very hot and dry summer.

The winemaking and aging

After the harvests, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are taken to the cellar to begin the custom-made winemaking process. The aging time is particularly long, far longer than appellation regulations, so the aromas can be tirelessly transferred until a perfect wine alchemy is obtained. Indeed, the wine ferments in oak for a long time to develop its aromas and complexity. Dosage is very low, truly "Extra-Brut", with only 3 to 4 grams per liter. Then, after blending, bottling and a second fermentation, this cuvee ages on lees for at least another 8 years. Finally, the R.D. 1976 rests in the cellar for 3 months after disgorging. Sales only begin a few months after disgorging, giving the wine a remarkable freshness.

Blend

Pinot Noir (65%) and Chardonnay (35%).

Tasting

The 1976 R.D. Recemment Degorge is a full-bodied, but not excessively powerful, champagne. Its character is a marvellous blend of roundness and elegance.

Serving and keeping

The 1976 R.D. Bollinger offers two great tasting moments. It is possible to taste it in the year following its disgorging so as to fully make the most of its particular aromatic character and wonderfully fresh notes. However, the 1976 R.D. Bollinger can also be appreciated after several years in a cellar, when all of the depth of its aromas and the remarkable character of its amazing aging potential will be revealed.

For an optimum tasting experience, serve at 8 to 10 degrees C.