Bollinger : RD Recemment Degorge 2007

An exceptional champagne with a complex aromatic expression and great ageing potential

The estate

Nicknamed “Boll” by those from Champagne and “Bolly” by the English, the timeless and legendary Bollinger Champagne House forms part of a small circle of three great Champagne houses. Bollinger champagne’s style is defined through its remarkable precision, which is brought to every moment of production. With a respect for tradition, riddling done by hand, natural corks for magnum reserve bottles and the last permanent cooper in the region, excellence has symbolised Bollinger champagne culture since its creation in 1829 in Aÿ. More than an art, it is a heritage.

The vineyard

Bollinger's uniqueness comes from its 174 hectares divided into seven main vineyards in Champagne, 85% of which are Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, making the house one of the few to produce its own grapes for its blends. Pinot Noir is the house's signature grape variety and represents 60% of the vineyard's vines.

The wine

R.D. Récemment Dégorgé 2007 is made up of 14 different crus, of which 91% are Grands Crus and 9% are Premiers Crus.

It was during the 1960s that the house gave birth to the R.D. cuvée for "Récemment Dégorgée", a symbol of Bollinger's bold creativity. Designed by the illustrious Madame Bollinger, Cuvée R.D. is a vintage Extra Brut champagne aged on lees, offered for tasting just after disgorgement. Unfettered by the rules of its time, the R.D. Bollinger cuvée, by creating a unique taste, lies at the root of a revolution in the world of Champagne.

The vintage

An exceptional champagne produced exclusively during great years, Bollinger R.D. 2007 unveils the exceptional aromatic expression of its vintage in a Champagne that has taken the time to evolve while still maintaining its shine.

Winemaking and ageing

After the harvests, the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were taken to the cellar to begin the custom-made winemaking process. The grapes were fermented exclusively in oak barrels. Afterwards, the ageing time was particularly long, over four times longer than the appellation’s regulations, in order to tirelessly transform the scents until a perfect wine alchemy was obtained. Ageing was carried out under cork. Bollinger R.D. 2007 was released onto the market only a few months after disgorging, giving the wine a remarkable freshness.

Blend

Pinot Noir (70%)
Chardonnay (30%).

Tasting

Colour
Bollinger R.D. 2007 showcases an intense amber colour.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet is complex and particularly marked by scents of honey and brioche. Then, many nuances of spices such as ginger, cumin or caraway harmonise with hints of mirabelle, dried apricot and fresh hazelnut.

Palate
Bollinger R.D. 2007 embodies a great champagne with a lively and energetic attack. White plum, walnut and aniseed are highlighted and reveal a superb aromatic expression. On the palate, the beautiful freshness and the incredible tension of this Champagne are merged together.

Food and wine pairing

Bollinger R.D. 2007 will enhance saffron-based dishes such as langoustine with saffron vinaigrette or poultry in a saffron and ginger sauce.

Storage

Bollinger R.D. 2007 offers two great tasting moments. It is possible to taste it in the year following its disgorging in order to fully embrace its particular aromatic and complex fruity notes. However, Bollinger R.D. 2007 can also be savoured after several years in the cellar, where all the depth of its aromas and the remarkable character of its great ageing potential will be revealed.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve at 8°C.