With almost 200 years of history, Bollinger is still an independent, family-owned Champagne estate today.
The 179 hectares of vineyards consist of 85% Grand Cru and Premier Cru. They are spread over seven villages: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Verzenay for Pinot Noir around the Montagne de Reims, Cuis for Chardonnay on the Côte des Blancs and Champvoisy for Meunier in the Vallée de la Marne.
The winery describes the "classic Bollinger style" as follows: Bollinger stands for "a dense and subtle presence, a balance between the intensity of great Pinot Noirs and the freshness of Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs." Vinification in oak barrels and prolonged contact with the lees result in a particularly creamy perlage.
One focus is on the Pinot Noir, which makes up 60% of the vines and is also used in the cuvée in exactly this proportion. This lends strength and body and makes a champagne a Bollinger.
Fermentation in wooden barrels is also typical. Stainless steel tanks have become established almost everywhere (also) for reasons of efficiency and cost. "Stainless steel is completely sealed and offers the advantage of preserving the entire personality of a wine ... Wood, on the other hand, stands for a philosophy based on exchange." With the slight oxidation caused by wood, "the aromatic complexity of the champagne evolves naturally.
Bollinger owns the largest collection of barrels in Champagne, with 4,000 units, some of which are over 100 years old. Only used Burgundian barrels in which Chardonnay was previously vinified are used.
© Photos: Champagne Bollinger
