Bollinger is a Champagne house that stands out from the crowd for several reasons, making it truly special in the world of Champagne. As one of the few remaining independent Champagne houses, Bollinger has maintained its autonomy and continues to produce exceptional wines with a distinct character.
One of the key factors that sets Bollinger apart is its focus on Pinot Noir-driven blends. While many Champagne houses rely heavily on Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, Bollinger puts a special emphasis on Pinot Noir, which brings depth, structure, and complexity to their wines. This dedication to Pinot Noir allows Bollinger to create Champagnes that have a unique and recognizable style.
Another aspect that makes Bollinger special is their commitment to extended aging. While the appellation's requirements dictate a minimum aging period for Champagne, Bollinger goes above and beyond by aging each of their Champagnes for double, triple, and even quadruple the required time. This extended aging allows the wines to develop additional layers of complexity, richness, and depth. It also means that when a bottle of Bollinger reaches the market, it is already at its peak and ready to be enjoyed.
Bollinger's dedication to quality is evident not only in their winemaking techniques but also in the meticulous attention to detail throughout the entire production process. From the vineyard to the cellar, every step is carefully monitored and executed with precision. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted to ensure only the best fruit makes it into the final blend. Bollinger even has its own cooperage, where they produce their barrels, ensuring complete control over the aging process.
Furthermore, Bollinger is known for its commitment to traditional methods of production. They still use wooden barrel fermentation for a portion of their wines, which adds complexity and a unique character. Bollinger also practices manual riddling, a labor-intensive process of turning and shaking the bottles to collect the sediment in the neck before disgorgement. These traditional methods require time and effort, but they contribute to the exceptional quality and distinctiveness of Bollinger's Champagnes.
In addition to their winemaking techniques, Bollinger also stands out for its rich history and heritage. The house was founded in 1829 and has been family-owned ever since. This continuity and dedication to tradition have allowed Bollinger to maintain its unique style and character over the years. Bollinger has also gained recognition as the preferred Champagne of British secret agent James Bond, further adding to its iconic status and allure.
Bollinger is special because of its focus on Pinot Noir-driven blends, commitment to extended aging, meticulous attention to detail, dedication to traditional methods, and rich history. These factors combined create Champagnes that are complex, rich, and unique, setting Bollinger apart from other Champagne houses. The passion and craftsmanship that go into every bottle of Bollinger make it a truly exceptional and special Champagne.