Bollinger : RD Recemment Degorge 2008

A great champagne cuvée with a complex aromatic expression and exceptional aging potential

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 step of its creation. Respect for tradition, hand riddling of the bottles, cork sealing of reserve magnums, the region's last resident cooper—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 owes its uniqueness to its 174 hectares spread across seven main vineyards, 85% of which are Grand and Premier Crus of Champagne, allowing the house to be one of the few to grow its own grapes for its blends. The house's signature grape variety, pinot noir, accounts for 60% of the vineyard's plantings.

The wine

A symbol of Bollinger's creative daring, it was during the 1960s that the house gave birth to the R.D. cuvée, standing for “Récemment Dégorgé” (Recently Disgorged). Conceived by the illustrious Madame Bollinger and produced exclusively in exceptional years, the R.D. cuvée is a vintage champagne aged on its lees, offered for tasting just after disgorgement. Breaking free from the conventions of its time, the Bollinger R.D. cuvée offers a unique taste that sparked a revolution in the world of champagne.

R.D. Récemment Dégorgé 2008 is crafted from 18 different Grand and Premier Crus, primarily Aÿ and Verzenay for the pinot noir, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for the chardonnay. This Extra Brut champagne has a dosage of 3g/L.

The vintage

Marked by unstable weather conditions, 2008 was characterized by a cool spring followed by a stormy summer. These conditions affected the vineyard, causing significant variation between grape varieties, crus, sites, and plots. Despite this, thanks to the expertise of the Bollinger House and the diligence of its teams, the vineyard's health was preserved. Carried out under favorable weather, the harvest began on September 15 and yielded grapes of exceptional quality, giving rise to a vintage in which the liveliness and power of the chardonnay blend harmoniously with the structure of the pinot noir.

Winemaking and aging

This 2008 vintage champagne benefits from an aging period more than four times longer than required by the appellation's regulations.

Blend

Pinot noir (71%)
Chardonnay (29%).

Characteristics and tasting notes for Bollinger's R.D. Récemment Dégorgé 2008

Tasting notes

Color
The color is adorned with subtle golden hues.

Nose
Rich and expressive, the nose blends fragrances of almond paste, apricot, honey, and bread crumb, along with refreshing notes of bergamot.

Palate
A precise attack gives way to a full-bodied and complex palate. Mirabelle plum, vine peach, and citrus fruits are among the flavors that blend harmoniously through to a persistent, saline finish.

Food and wine pairing

A visionary, Madame Bollinger recommended that sommeliers of her time enjoy the R.D. Cuvée during a meal. To bring out the aromatic richness of this cuvée, pairings with Piedmont hazelnuts, a 25-month-aged gruyère, or a Candelous sheep's milk cheese make for refined combinations.

Aging potential

Two distinct tasting experiences await you with the Bollinger R.D. 2008 cuvée. You can enjoy this vintage champagne within the year following its disgorgement, or wait several years in the cellar, allowing the full aromatic potential of this cuvée to unfold.

Serving

For optimal tasting, serve at 54°F.