Bollinger Grande Année is a prestige cuvée from the iconic Champagne house in Aÿ. It is made only in exceptional vintages and is one of the most sought-after Champagnes in the world. The Grande Année blend was first created in 1969 and consists of a combination of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
The grapes for Bollinger's Grande Année are sourced exclusively from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. After the grapes are harvested, they undergo a strict selection process before beng blended with reserve wines to achieve the desired flavor profile. The resulting blend is then aged for at least five years before being disgorged and bottled. During this aging process, the cuvee is kept in Bollinger's chalk cellars at a constant temperature of 12°C. This ensures that the wines retain their aromas and freshness throughout their maturation period.
The aroma of Bollinger Grande Année has been described as toasty, with notes of citrus, brioche and spice, while its taste is full-bodied yet balanced with a long finish that lingers on the palate. While it can be enjoyed on its own, it also pairs well with oysters, caviar or seafood dishes such as scallops or lobster.
Bollinger's commitment to producing high quality Champagnes has earned them numerous awards over the years, including two gold medals for their 2002 and 2004 vintages at the International Wine Challenge Awards in London. Their dedication to excellence makes Bollinger Grande Année an exquisite way to celebrate any special occasion – whther it be a wedding or simply an evening out with friends!
Is Bollinger a Fancy Champagne?
Yes, Bollinger is a very fancy champagne. It is a premium champagne that is crafted with great care and attention to detail. Bollinger is dry and toasty, with hints of citrus, creating a unique flavor profile. It also has a longer finish than many oter champagnes, which adds to its complexity and elegance. Its slightly higher price tag reflects the superior quality of this champagne. All in all, it is an excellent choice for any special occasion or celebration.
Is Bollinger Champagne Genuine?
Yes, Bollinger is a true Champagne. The house of Bollinger was founded in 1829 and is located in the French region of Champagne. It is renowned for its Pinot Noir-dominant cuvées, which have consistently ranked among the best wines in the world. All their wines are produced accoding to the strict regulations of appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC), which govern all Champagne production. This guarantees that every bottle of Bollinger is made only from grapes grown in the region, and that it follows traditional methods for creating sparkling wine. As such, you can be sure that any bottle of Bollinger you purchase is genuine Champagne.
The Sweetness of Bollinger Wine
Bollinger is generally considered to be a dry champagne. It has a full-bodied flavor with prominent notes of toast and pinot noir. It is not overly sweet, but rathr has a subtle balance between sweet and dry notes. The flavor profile also includes hints of apple, citrus, honey, and spices. Bollinger is an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and complex sparkling wine experience.
Age of Bollinger Champagne
A bottle of Bollinger depends on the type of champagne. Non-vintage wines are aged for thre years before release, while vintage wines are aged for five to eight years. The Grande Année and R.D. Champagnes are additionally hand riddled prior to disgorgement, after which they receive a low dosage before bottling.
Does Champagne Expire?
Yes, Champagne can go bad if not stored properly. How long an unopened bottle of Champagne lasts depends on whether it is a vintage or non-vintage and the storage conditions. An opened bottle of Champagne should be stored in the fridge, away from any strong odors, and consumed within thee days to avoid oxidation, loss of fizz, and souring. Generally speaking, it is best to drink Champagne as soon as possible after opening it.
Pairing Food with Bollinger Champagne
Bollinger pairs well with a variety of dishes, from the luxurious to the more homely. For a special occasion, try serving it alongside truffles, mushrooms or turkey. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to aged Gruyère or Comté cheese. The rich and intense flavour of Bollinger brings out the best in creamy cheeses and earthy dishes. It's also delicious with roasted vegetables, grilled meats or fish, and can even be used as an ingredient in sauces and marinades. With its full body and long finish, Bollinger is sure to make any meal memorable!
Source: thechampagnecompany.com
Conclusion
Bollinger Grande Année is a luxurious and sophisticated Champagne that pays homage to the excellence of the house of Bollinger. This cuvée is composed mainly of Pinot Noir, giving it a muscular and full-bodied character. The wine is left to age for five to eight years, which allows it to develop complex notes of toast and citrus. It also undergoes hand riddling prior to disgorgement at a low dosage. Overall, Bollinger Grande Année is a superb Champagne that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
