Grape variety: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
Origin: More than 60% of the grapes selected for Special Cuvee comes from vineyards that are owned and managed by Champagne Bollinger, a completely exceptional proportion in Champagne. Around thirty individual Crus are included in the blend, 80% of which are Grand and Premier Crus sites in the Montegne de Reims and Cotes de Blances.
Bollinger is a name associated with the highest winemaking standards whose subtlety was much appreciate. A unique wine of great longevity and complexity with outstanding toasty, biscuit flavors.
After hand-picking, the grapes were pressed gently and the juice settled. The clear must was fermented in a mix of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. Before bottling for the second fermentation, up to 10% of reserve wines were added to the blend (wines aged in 1.5l bottles for 5 to 15 years after their first fermentation in oak). Once bottled the blend was aged on its yeast lees for a minimum of 3 years, imparting a delicious creamy toastiness.
Rich aromas lead to a palate combining crystallized fruit flavors, vanilla hints and superb length with power and finesse
Bollinger house owns vines in the heart of the Champagne region, including the crus of Ay, Bouzy and Verzenay. The vineyards also include some rare ungrafted French vines from before the phylloxera epidemic.
In 1884 Bollinger became the official supplier to the British court, receiving a Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria. Moreover, Bollinger is only champagne of Agent 007, James Bond.
