Get A Special Preview Of The New Bollinger Vintage
La Grande Année is the very embodiment of an exceptional, timeless Champagne. Artisanal savoir-faire is at the heart of its production. One such artisanal technique is vinification, which takes place in oak barrels that are around 20 years old. This helps the wine develop complex aromas, and, thanks to micro-oxygenation, lends an extraordinary ageing potential. These 4,000 barrels are housed and maintained in the Champagne Bollinger Cooperage. Bollinger is the only Champagne House to have a resident cooper.
All Bollinger vintages, including La Grande Année, are riddled and disgorged entirely by hand, a process which takes place after the wine has long been aged on its lees, in bottles sealed with cork. These rigorous, artisanal techniques contribute to making La Grande Année a truly hand-crafted wine.
The 2014 vintage was the product of a year of mixed fortunes. A rainy autumn and winter gave way to two parched, sunny months, of which June was the sunniest in 50 years. Then there was summer, August in particular, when we saw especially cold weather.
All Bollinger vineyards began harvesting at the same time, on the 15th of September, and finished just nine days later. This is notably brief as harvesting usually takes two weeks. Owing in part to the fine weather in September, the quality of the grape was maintained, perfectly balancing the maturity and acidity of the grape musts.
The 2014 vintage made for a wine that is precise, refined and complex, both in its minerality and its exceptional intensity.
La Grande Année 2014 is an intense, multifaceted wine. A variety of aromas are gradually revealed upon tasting. This adds to the versatility of this wine, with subtle notes that pair with a wide range of dishes from different origins.
The wine has glints of gold, reflecting its maturity and Bollinger vinification techniques.
On the nose it is precise and fruity, with a slight scent of sea-air. Aromas of cherry and lemon mingle with quince and bergamot. Notes of hazelnut and almond, peach and mirabelle plum, complete this wine’s range of aromas.
The initial sensation is a fine and intense effervescence, followed by a wonderful vinosity, balanced with delicate acidity. The fine texture and sea-air finish of the wine bring excellent length on the palate, accompanied by complex flavours of orchard fruits and citrus. La Grande Année 2014 is a wine that unfurls gradually to reveal its full potential and intensity.
To the eye:
Tinted with golden glints that reflect the wine’s maturity and Bollinger vinification techniques.
To the nose:
A precise and fruity nose with a slight scent of sea-air. Aromas of cherry and lemon mingle with quince and bergamot. Then notes of hazelnut and almond, peach and mirabelle plum complete this wine’s range of aromas.
On the palate:
The initial sensation is a fine and intense effervescence, followed by a wonderful vinosity, and then balanced with delicate acidity. Its very fine texture and sea-air finish bring excellent length on the palate, accompanied by a delicate minerality and the complex flavours of orchard fruit and citrus. This wine unfurls gradually, revealing its full potential and intensity.
Pairings
- Mediterranean sea bass with grenailles potatoes and courgette flowers.
- Langoustine ravioli with foie gras and fleur de sel.
- King scallops pan-fried in citrus butter with Kombu Royal seaweed.
- La Grande Année 2014 is the perfect champagne for gourmet food.
To fully appreciate its unique style and aromas, this wine is best served between 8 and 10°C. You can enjoy La Grande Année 2014 now or choose to age it in your cellar.