Drinks Business covers Bollinger Masterclass on disgorgement

The Drinks Business reports on a class led by Bollinger cellar master Denis Bunner in Hong Kong.  Bunner spent a full decade studying disgorgement while he was at the Comité Champagne. He pointed out that the subject is both not so well understood, and underestimated. The great insight he offers is to imagine that disgorgement can provide as much as oxygen in one event as aging a Champagne for 20 years in a cellar.

The other major point Bunner delved into was the barrel fermentation that is such a foundation of Bollinger’s approach to winemaking. More specifically, how the barrel aging protects the wine by in effect “vaccinating” it against oxygen.

The full article can be read here.

Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2007 Technical Sheet
Champange Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2007 Tech Sheet (96 WA)
Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2004 Technical Sheet
Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises: A Rare Prestige Cuvée

Decanter’s MW Charles Curtis reports on the ultra rare Champagne Bollinger’s Vielles Vinges Francasies: a blanc de noirs with an extreme cult following. Curtis elaborates that the champagne is fought over by collectors due to its complex origins; notably due to the wine being sourced completely from un-grafted vines, special plots, Grand Cru fruit. These factors lead to the wines incredibly rich style compounded by limited availability. The name itself encapsulates the exclusivity of the wines source, translating as ‘Old French Vines’.

The feature also inlcudes reviews of the most recent release, the Champagne Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2008, which is awarded 99 points.

Read the full story HERE, where you can also read the reviews for the recent vintages of Vieilles Vignes Françaises.

Bollinger-Vieilles-Vignes-Francaises_-a-rare-prestige-cuvee-Decanter

Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2007 Tech Sheet
Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2008 Tech Sheet
Champagne Bollinger – Barrel Pointillism

In The Wine Independent, Sarah Mayo explores Champagne Bollinger’s deep-seated traditions and innovations through an in-depth discussion with Chief Winemaker Denis Bunner. He shares how Bollinger’s legacy is rooted in its commitment to Pinot Noir and its distinct approach to crafting champagnes with exceptional richness and complexity.

The piece explains that a key part of Bunner’s work at Bollinger involves long-term data collection on vineyard climate patterns. He’s been closely monitoring environmental shifts and gathering insights to better understand how these changes impact the vines, particularly Pinot Noir. “We’re not just observing but actively adapting,” Bunner explained, emphasizing that his goal is to preserve the Champagne’s classic profile even as climate conditions evolve.

Adding to this adaptive strategy, Bollinger has invested in a pilot winery dedicated to experimentation. Mayo explains that this is where Bunner and his team test new viticultural and vinification techniques to further understand and refine their process. “The pilot winery gives us the freedom to innovate without compromising the core of Bollinger’s style,” he noted, underlining its value for both research and development.

Bunner also spoke about Bollinger’s continued focus on aging wine in oak barrels – a practice the late Lily Bollinger championed as well – as this lends a subtle creaminess and a complex, layered flavor to the wines. Mayo touches on their conversation about steel fermentation, which is easier but can results in a lighter style and can have less precision. “Barrel aging is essential to our DNA,” he said. “It brings depth, structure, and allows our reserve wines to develop that Bollinger roundness and fullness that’s unique to our champagnes.”

Lastly, as an extension to barrel aging, they discussed Bollinger’s commitment to aging reserve wines in magnums under natural cork, explaining, “It’s a labor-intensive method, but it enhances our champagnes’ ageability and complexity, and we believe it’s what makes Bollinger unique.” Through these techniques and innovations, Bunner and his team are preserving the essence of Bollinger while preparing it to thrive well into the future. Read the full article HERE or attached.

Champagne Bollinger_The Wine Independent_11.8.24

Wine Press: Champagne and other Sparkling Wines Perfect for the holidays

Regional publication MassLive published a great article about sparkling wine for the holidays, which includes Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 and Juvé & Camps Brut Nature Reserva De La Familia Gran Reserva 2018.

Champagne Bollinger’s prestige cuvée is described as a “stellar vintage Champagne.”  Continuing, he explains, “made with a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes it has a wonderful range of luxurious, vibrant flavors, including crisp hints of almonds, toasted butter, cinnamon and candied orange. Decadent, luxurious and delicious!”

The writer says that Juvé & Camps’ flagship wine is one of his favorite Spanish Cavas, describing it as “dry, sparkling, organic wine has a clean, crisp taste with hints of dried lemon, peach and apricots. Its flavors are especially vibrant and delicate since this wine is aged for four years before being sold. A great holiday treat.”

Read the full article HERE

Champagne and Sparkling Wine for the Holidays

The International Wine Review includes Champagne AYALA A/18 and Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 in its seasonally timed article, “Champagne & Sparkling Wine for the Holidays.”

The write up highlights the sourcing of Champagne AYALA’s 100% expression of Chardonnay, noting it is “fresh and pure on the palate, with nuanced flavors and a sense of overall finesse,” while also mentioning its tight and mineral finish.

Before delving into the tasting notes of Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2015, the writer speaks to the difficult growing season, yet in the hands of Bollinger resulted in a bold, dramatic wine “in intensity and breadth.” He continues by describing that “the bouquet reveals citrus, pear, spice, and brioche and a texturally rich, dense palate.” The review highlights winemaking details and calls out how this can be cellared for years to come.

Read the full reviews HERE

Champagne Ayala _ Champagne Bollinger _International Wine Review_12.8.24