This week marked the unveiling of Bollinger’s La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rose from the 2015 vintage. Cellarmaster Denis Bunner says, of the wine, “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.” The 2015 vintage in Champagne was marked by a sweltering summer, that was moderated by refreshing rain showers. This turned to quality harvest in September, picking compact bunches of grapes with high levels of acidity and in great health.
One of the hallmarks of each “La Grande Année” is it compatibility with the greatest gastronomic offerings. The complexity of the wines can stand up to game, foie gras, red berries, an array of counterparts. La Grande Annee 2015 is composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 405% Chardonnay, while the Rosé is 62% Pinot Noir and 38% Chardonnay, with 5% reserve red wine from Le Côtes aux Enfants vineyard. Both wines are vinified in used oak barrels, aged extensively on the lees prior to disgorgement, and have a modest dosage (7-8 g/L).
