Champagne PN AYC18 Bollinger

ORIGIN: France.

GRAPES: 100% Pinot Noir.

GRADATION: 12% vol.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Temperature between 8/10°C.

STORAGE METHODS: In a cool place away from sunlight.

PRODUCER: Champagne Bollinger - Aÿ, France.

SPECIFIC NOTES: Contains sulphites.

The story begins with Athanase de Villermont, the youngest son of a noble family with a brilliant destiny. A great soldier who shone during the American War of Independence, he inherited a large property in the Aÿ area from his family. He immediately sensed the extraordinary potential of Champagne wines, but as an aristocrat he was forbidden to engage in trade. He then met Joseph Bollinger, a well-travelled German who had left his home country to learn about the Champagne wine trade, and Paul Renaudin, a local man who was fascinated by the world of wine. The Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie company was founded on 6 February 1829. Joseph took care of sales and Paul of the cellar. Athanase had founded a Champagne house that would last for centuries. Joseph Bollinger married Louise-Charlotte, Athanase's daughter, in 1837. Over time, their sons, Joseph and then Georges, took over the business. From the phylloxera crisis to the turmoil of the Great War, they would face some of the House’s greatest challenges. Under the guidance of the two Bollinger brothers, however, it acquired great notoriety and considerably expanded its vineyards. In 1920, Jacques Bollinger, son of Georges, found himself at the helm of the House: a heavy burden for a 24-year-old.He faced the challenge with courage, aided by his cousins ​​Pierre and then Yves Moret de Rocheprise; for Bollinger's strength also lay in its powerful family ties. Sophisticated, cultured and fluent in English, Jacques increased Bollinger's importance across the Channel. When the Scotswoman Elizabeth Bollinger (née Law de Lauriston-Boubers) married Jacques in 1923, she too would become passionately involved in the fate of the House. She was only 42 when she lost her husband at the height of the war. Without hesitation and with great dignity, she stepped in to take up the baton. "Madame Jacques", as she was nicknamed within the House, threw herself body and soul into her new role. During her numerous trips abroad, her natural grace and charm worked wonders. Cheerful and witty, Madame Bollinger was nevertheless a formidable strategist. A fearless entrepreneur, she was also a perfectionist and tolerated nothing short of excellence, was always ready to innovate and was the driving force behind the highly original Bollinger RD cuvée. With her customary good sense, Madame Bollinger gathered around her the family members who best knew how to follow in her footsteps. She first taught Claude d'Hautefeuille, her niece's husband, the ins and outs of the House. In 1950, he became Director and launched an ambitious modernization program while respecting Bollinger's quality requirements. Madame Bollinger appointed him President in 1971, but remained closely involved until her death six years later. Madame Bollinger's nephew, Christian Bizot, took over from Claude in 1978. A great traveler, like his aunt Lily before him, he made a point of meeting sommeliers, restaurateurs and wine merchants to promote the House's wines. A great president, he was known for his frankness and informality. In 1994, it was none other than the great-grandson of founder Joseph Bollinger who became head of the House. Having begun his career in Chile, Ghislain de Montgolfier has continued to develop the House with the pursuit of excellence as his guiding light. He continues to maintain a policy of voluntary limitation of quantities produced to increase quality, while remaining true to the Bollinger spirit. A tireless worker, Ghislain has a great sense of humor and combines scientific rigor with a passion for success. In 2007, his technical expertise led him to be elected head of the Council of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne. In 2008, a new President, not a family member, was appointed. This was Jérôme Philipon, a native Champagne who has built an impressive career with large industrial groups. This is the first time in Bollinger's history that its future has been entrusted to someone outside the family. Together with the family, Jérôme Philipon has continued to develop Champagne Bollinger and ensure that its principles and values ​​are respected. In 2017, Charles-Armand de Belenet became CEO of Champagne Bollinger. With him, Bollinger continues to preserve its artisanal tradition while incorporating the best of innovative technologies, to pursue a future of commercial development and quality for the brand.