The estate
Nicknamed “Boll” by those from Champagne or “Bolly” by the English, the timeless and legendary Bollinger Champagne House forms part of a small circle of three great Champagne houses. Bollinger champagne’s style is defined through its remarkable precision, which is brought to every moment of production. With a respect for tradition, riddling done by hand, natural corks for magnum reserve bottles and the last permanent cooper in the region, excellence has symbolised Bollinger champagne culture since its creation in Aÿ. More than just an art, it is a heritage.
The vineyard
The Bollinger Champagne House stands out for its 174 hectares spread out through seven main Champagne vineyards, 85% of which are Grand and Premier Crus, allowing the house to be one of the few which produces its own grapes for its blends. The house’s signature grape variety, Pinot Noir, represents 60% of the vineyard’s grape varieties.
The wine
Special Cuvée by Bollinger owes its name to the British estate agent who, having found the name "Brut sans année" unsuitable, suggested the name "Special Cuvée" to Georges Bollinger.
Vinification and ageing
Exclusive use of the cuvée. Ageing time in the cellar is more than 2 times greater than appellation rules. This Brut Champagne is dosed by 7 to 8g/litre.
Blend
Pinot Noir (60%)
Chardonnay (25%)
Pinot Meunier (15%)
Tasting
Colour
The wine is golden, with a wonderfully fine effervescence.
Nose
The nose presents complex fragrances of ripe fruits and spices, to which notes of roasted apples, stewed fruits and peaches are added.
Palate
Structured, long and lively, the palate offers flavourful touches of pear, brioche, spices and fresh walnuts.
Serving
For the best tasting, serve at between 10 and 12°C.
Food and wine pairings
Special Cuvée by Bollinger goes perfectly with all kinds of fish, notably sushis and sashimis, crustaceans (shrimp, langoustine, crayfish, grilled lobster), poultry and white meats, or even parmesan and exceptional cured hams.
Disgorged in the second half of 2019, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is based on the 2015 vintage, complemented by around 60% reserve wines. The wine is still quite tightly wound after its recent disgorgement, opening in the glass with notes of crisp yellow orchard fruit, freshly baked bread, clear honey and orange peel, with little sign of the nuttiness to come with bottle age. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, muscular and incipiently textural, with a deep core, ripe acids and a pinpoint mousse. This isn't the most incisive vintage of Special Cuvée, but it's powerful and vinous and will have fine gastronomic potential with a little bottle age.