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Champagne Bollinger

Special Cuvée NV

Champagne

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Special Cuvée stands apart from any Champagne category for four reasons: an unrivaled devotion to Pinot Noir, barrel fermentation, the use of Reserve Magnums, and aging far beyond appellation requirements. More than any other house, Bollinger is defined by Pinot Noir, which anchors the blend at a minimum of 60%, delivering the richness, structure and red fruit depth that are the house’s unmistakable signature. As the rest of Champagne moved to large-lot fermentation in stainless steel through the latter half of the 20th century, Bollinger held firm. A remarkable 30% of Special Cuvée is still fermented barrel by barrel, because no other method produces the same depth of flavor or the same round, silky texture. Hand-disgorged into the final blend are wines from the best vineyards aged in magnum under cork for up to 15 years, contributing the truffle, ginger and walnut notes that only truly aged Champagne can offer. With cellar aging more than twice the appellation minimum and a release age of seven to eight years, Special Cuvée is the fullest expression of what devotion, time and terroir can achieve.

VINEYARD

85% of the grapes for Special Cuvée are sourced from a combination Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages. Bollinger’s vineyards are the source for over 60% of their production, as was laid down as a minimum in a quality charter written several decades ago. Additionally, Bollinger was accredited with a “High Environmental Value” certification in 2012.

WINEMAKING

30% of Special Cuvée is vinified in used oak of 228 liters, with some 400 liter casks up to 40 years old. The wine is then matured for 30-36 months on the lees, with the final blend consisting of 50% reserve wines. Between 5-10% of the total blend is from reserve magnums.

TASTING NOTE

Aromas of roasted apple, compote and white peach give way to a palate of exceptional poise: velvet bubbles, brioche, ripe pear and a signature finish of fresh walnut.

FOOD PAIRING

Shellfish, poultry, charcuterie, or hard cheeses

Color

White

Blend %

60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier

Appellation

Champagne

Alcohol

12%

Suggested Retail Price

$121

Reviews

93

Wine Spectator - August 11, 2025 "A vibrant, graceful Champagne that shows fine definition and integration, with a mouthwatering frame of acidity. The persistent, lacy mousse is enmeshed with an appealing range of ripe and juicy black cherry and boysenberry fruit, blood orange granita, candied ginger and chopped almond flavors. Long and well-spiced on the chalky finish."

93

James Suckling - July 18, 2025 "A polished palate of fine bubbles with pears, light bread dough and caramel undertones. Medium-bodied with pretty toasted-oak and vanilla flavors. Refined finish. Touch of quince and grapefruit with dried apples."

93+

Jeb Dunnuck - December 20, 2024 "The NV Champagne Special Cuvée (60% Pinot Noir and based on the 2021 harvest) pours a bright yellow/silver hue on opening and reveals a fresh and actually more mineral-driven profile on the nose than I was expecting, revealing layers of fresh raspberries, brioche, wet stone, and orange blossoms. The palate is medium to full-bodied and classically rounded, as you would come to expect from this house, but it retains good tension and a silky, chalky texture, with an ultra-fine mousse, salinity in its notes of grapefruit zest and almond, and a creamy texture through the finish. It’s very well-styled and is going to drink well over the next 10 years."

92

Wine Spectator - December 1, 2021 "A vinous Champagne, this has pinot-noir depths of flavor, the structure enhanced by barrel-fermented reserve wines. Youthfully blunt in its power, this will benefit from a year in the cellar, when it can settle into its dry mineral savor and hazelnut grace."

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