Champagne Bollinger
PN AYC21
Champagne
The seventh edition of Bollinger PN, AYC21 is a 100% Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs that continues the cuvée’s singular vision of terroir and the union between tradition and innovation. Anchored by fruit from Aÿ, one of Champagne’s most celebrated villages and a cornerstone of the Bollinger style, the wine is further deepened by Pinot Noir from Tauxières and Mutigny, whose character adds freshness and complexity to the blend. Reserve wines from 2012, 2013, and 2014 make up 25% of the blend, bringing depth and continuity to a wine that reinvents itself with every edition.
Pinot Noir is at the heart of everything Bollinger does, and PN exists to explore that conviction in its most focused form. Each release is built around a single principal cru, offering a new interpretation of the Maison’s vineyards and savoir-faire.
VINEYARD
The fruit is principally sourced from Aÿ, with Pinot Noir from Tauxières and Mutigny added to bring freshness, precision, and aromatic complexity to the blend. Aÿ sits at the heart of the Marne Valley, a Grand Cru village long recognized as one of Champagne's finest sources of Pinot Noir and a cornerstone of the Bollinger identity. Its terroir brings richness and depth to the blend, while Tauxières, situated on the southwest slopes of the Montagne de Reims with a mix of chalk and clay soils, contributes vivacity and finesse. Mutigny rounds out the blend with complementary aromatic character.
WINEMAKING
51% from the 2021 base year, blended with 49% reserve wines, including vintages 2012, 2013, and 2014 making up 25% of the blend. Pinot Noirs aged in magnum contribute exceptional aromatic intensity and depth. Fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel vats and oak barrels, with malolactic fermentation completed over one month. The wine is lightly filtered and cellar aged for more than twice the appellation minimum, followed by three months of rest after disgorgement. Dosage is 8 g/L.
VINTAGE
2021 proved to be an unlikely classic. A challenging spring brought frosts, persistent rain, and disease pressure that reduced yields to their smallest since 1985, demanding extraordinary care and selectivity in the vineyard. What emerged was a vintage of real distinction: high acidity, precise ripeness, and a nervous energy that defines the most age-worthy Champagnes. Aÿ, with its well-positioned slopes, came through in notably good condition, delivering taut, concentrated fruit.
TASTING NOTE
Ripe quince and Mirabelle plum on the nose, with toast, almond, hazelnut, and a touch of brioche and acacia honey. Creamy and fresh on the palate, with ripe fruit and patisserie giving way to a bright finish of blood orange.
FOOD PAIRING
Pan-seared scallops, roast turbot, free-range chicken in cream sauce, aged soft cheeses, apricot and almond tart
Color
White
Blend %
100% Pinot Noir
Appellation
Champagne
Alcohol
12.5%
Suggested Retail Price
$186
Trade Materials
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