A Grande time With Bollinger

Bollinger’s La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé 2015 are not your average champagnes. These bottles are the product of exceptional craftsmanship, tradition, and an extraordinary vintage year.

The story of these champagnes starts with the weather in 2015, when nature was kind to the vineyards. A mild winter led to an early spring; by April, sunshine levels were at their highest since 2007. This was followed by a hot, dry summer—perfect for grape growing. Despite some hydric stress, the vineyards thrived, thanks to winter reserves and timely rain in August. By September 4th, when the harvest began, the grapes were ripe, healthy, and bursting with potential.

Denis Bunner, Bollinger’s Cellar Master, says, “2015 expresses more of the soul of a Bollinger millésimé than any other year. More opulent, more powerful, it exalts Pinot Noir. Uplifted by maturation in wooden casks, this champagne reveals the characteristics of an exceptional year.”

La Grande Année 2015 is made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, sourced from 23 Crus, mainly from Verzenay, Aÿ, and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ for the Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Impressively, 79% of the grapes come from Grands Crus vineyards, and the remaining 21% from Premiers Crus. The dosage is a moderate 8g/l, which balances richness and acidity.
The La Grande Année Rosé 2015 has a slightly different blend, with 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay, and includes 5% red wine from Bollinger’s renowned La Côte aux Enfants vineyard, adding depth to the rosé. This vintage also has a high percentage of Grands Crus, at 81%, with a dosage of 7g/l for a refined taste.

Pour a glass of La Grande Année 2015, and you’ll notice its golden yellow colour, indicating maturity. The aroma is a mix of stone fruits like Canadian Reinette apple and Mirabelle plum, with dark berries like blackberry and blackcurrant. You might also catch a hint of mango, vanilla, and wood.

On the palate, La Grande Année 2015 is rich and full, with flavours of Mirabelle plum jam, chocolate, and citrus. It finishes with a touch of acidity and minerality, making it a pleasure to drink.
La Grande Année Rosé 2015 has delicate pink undertones. Its aroma features concentrated fruit notes, including strawberry juice, mandarin, and rhubarb. The taste starts silky, with stone fruits leading to a finish with hints of blood orange, creating a tannic and elegant structure.

Bollinger’s commitment to tradition is evident in every bottle.

They are one of the last champagne houses to have their own resident cooper, Gaël Chaunut, who repairs 4,000 barrels each year and makes new ones from their family forest in Cuis. This ensures that the wines are aged in oak casks, which allows them to develop complex flavours.

“Barrel fermentation? This is a tradition that Bollinger is proud to carry forward,” Bunner explains. “The wood naturally protects and mellows great wines, providing ideal conditions for maturation.”

Bollinger also insists on the hand-riddling process, which involves riddling and disgorgement of each bottle by hand. This allows the flavours to develop fully and ensures a wine with complexity and balance.

These champagnes are designed to complement a wide range of dishes. La Grande Année’s creamy effervescence pairs beautifully with meat dishes, mushrooms, nuts, and red berries. The Rosé’s tannic elegance makes it a perfect match for wild game and foie gras, enhancing every bite.

Bollinger’s La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé 2015 remind us of the importance of tradition and quality in an age where speed often takes priority. These champagnes are a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise that have defined Bollinger for generations.