Champagne Bollinger is synonymous with elegance, complexity, and a deep-rooted commitment to tradition. Founded in 1829, the Maison has long been known for its refined style, driven in large part by its affinity for Pinot Noir. This grape plays a starring role in all of Bollinger’s cuvées, contributing structure, depth, and a signature richness.
And speaking of starring roles, one cannot speak of Bollinger without mentioning Madame Lilly Bollinger. Her influence is felt throughout the Maison’s history. When she married Mr. Bollinger, she also married Champagne—with unwavering spirit and passion. In 1941, when her husband passed away, leaving her childless at 42, she took the reins of the business and transformed its practices. Under her leadership, Bollinger continued to vinify in oak—a rarity in the region—and she pioneered the R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé, or “Recently Disgorged”), which was a groundbreaking success upon release.
During our visit, we had the privilege of seeing one of Champagne’s few remaining ungrafted vineyard plots, which miraculously resist phylloxera. The grapes from this rare parcel yield wines of remarkable concentration and intensity. We had previously encountered another such plot at Tarlant, making this visit even more special.
One fascinating detail we learned is that Bollinger’s Special Cuvée undergoes not two but four fermentations. In addition to the primary and secondary fermentations, the wine also benefits from malolactic fermentation and a gentle fermentation of reserve wines aged in magnums—adding layers of complexity to this already iconic Champagne.
Our tasting experience was nothing short of extraordinary. We sampled:
• Bollinger Special Cuvée
• Bollinger Rosé
• Bollinger La Grande Année 2015
• Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2015
• Bollinger R.D. 2008
Each cuvée showcased the house’s distinct character, marked by richness, refinement, and a balanced 8 g/L dosage that perfectly complements Champagne’s classic acidity. While the Bollinger Rosé displayed the expected red fruit notes, the Grande Année Rosé 2015 took a non-traditional turn, offering vibrant flavours of blood orange, candied lemon peel, and meringue in place of the usual fresh berries.
And then came the Bollinger R.D. 2008—a showstopper in every sense. Disgorged on our anniversary last year (a serendipitous coincidence, as we got engaged over a glass of Bollinger Rosé), this Champagne was nothing short of breathtaking. It delivered an opulent bouquet of dried apricots, roasted hazelnuts, and freshly buttered country bread—a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable tasting.
A heartfelt thank you to Caroline Brun (@ladegustationvisuelle) for her insightful tour, and to Champagne Bollinger for their warm hospitality. This visit deepened our appreciation for Bollinger’s history, craftsmanship, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Have you experienced Bollinger’s wines? If so, which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!