La Grande Année is the very embodiment of an exceptional and timeless champagne. Artisan savoir-faire is at the heart of its production. One of these artisanal techniques is winemaking, which takes place in oak barrels that are approximately 20 years old. This helps the wine develop complex aromas and, thanks to micro-oxygenation, gives it extraordinary aging potential. At Bollinger, the 2014 vintage gave birth to a precise, fine and complex wine thanks to its minerality and exceptional intensity.
- Method : La Grande Année 2014 is a blend of 19 crus, mainly Aÿ and Verzenay for 61% Pinot Noir and Chouilly and Oiry for 39% Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels and the wine is aged, sealed with a natural cork, for more than double the time required by the denomination. The dosage is moderate, 8 grams per liter.
- Characteristics : to the eye tinged with golden reflections that reflect the maturity of the wine and the Bollinger winemaking techniques, precise and fruity nose with a slight hint of sea air. Aromas of cherry and lemon mix with quince and bergamot. Then notes of hazelnut and almond, peach and mirabelle plum complete the range of aromas of this wine, on the palate the initial sensation is of a fine and intense effervescence, followed by a splendid vinosity, and then balanced by a delicate acidity. Its very fine texture and seafood finish give the palate an excellent length, accompanied by a delicate minerality and complex fruit and citrus flavors. This wine unfolds gradually, revealing all its potential and intensity.
- Tasting : La Grande Année 2014 is the perfect champagne for gourmet cuisine. To fully appreciate its unique style and aromas, this wine should be served between 8 and 10°C. You can enjoy La Grande Année 2014 now or choose to age it in your cellar.
AWARDS : 97/100 : "A truly great Bollinger in every way, blessed with incredible longevity and great testimony to the magic of this house to draw all the glories of this endurance and elegance of a season that is anything but simple." Tyson Stelzer.
96/100 : "Overall, this is an extremely beautiful and complex Bollinger on the middle, finer and more elegant overall. I love how you find new little details in a harmonious simplicity at a new sip." Richard Juhlin .
Data sheet
SIZE : 0.75 liter bottles.
ORIGIN : France.
VARIETIES : 61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay.
ALCOHOLIC CONTENT : 12.5% vol.
SERVING TEMPERATURE: Temperature between 8/10°C.
STORAGE METHOD : In a cool place and away from sunlight.
PRODUCER : Champagne Bollinger - Aÿ, France.
SPECIFIC NOTES : Contains sulphites.
History Champagne Bollinger
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 from his family a large property in the Aÿ area. He immediately understood the extraordinary potential of Champagne wines, but as an aristocrat he was forbidden to devote himself to trade. He then met Joseph Bollinger, a well-traveled 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. Giuseppe takes care of sales and Paolo takes care of the cellar. Athanase had founded a champagne house that would last for centuries. Joseph Bollinger married Louise-Charlotte, daughter of Athanase, in 1837. In 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. However, under the guidance of the two Bollinger brothers he acquired great notoriety and considerably expanded his 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, helped by his cousins Pierre and then Yves Moret de Rocheprise; as Bollinger's strength also lies in his powerful family ties. Sophisticated, cultured and fluent in English, Jacques increased Bollinger's prominence across the Channel. When the Scot 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 the baton. "Madame Jacques", as she was nicknamed within the House, threw herself body and soul into her new role. During her many 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 very 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 usual common 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 in compliance with Bollinger's quality requirements. Madame Bollinger appointed him President in 1971, but she remained closely involved until her death six years later. Madame Bollinger's nephew, Christian Bizot, took over from Claude in 1978. A great traveller, like his aunt Lily before him he made a point of meeting with sommeliers, restaurateurs and wine merchants to promote the wines of the Maison. A great president, he was known for his frankness and informality. In 1994 it was the great-grandson of the founder Joseph Bollinger who became head of the House. After starting his career in Chile, Ghislain de Montgolfier continued to develop the Maison with the pursuit of excellence as his guiding light. It continues to maintain a policy of voluntarily limiting the quantities produced to increase quality, while remaining faithful to the Bollinger spirit. A tireless worker, Ghislain has a great sense of humor and combines scientific rigor with enthusiasm 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, unfamiliar President was appointed. This was Jérôme Philipon, a native Champagne who built an impressive career with large industrial groups. It is the first time in Bollinger's history that his future has been entrusted to someone outside of his family. Together with his family, Jérôme Philipon has continued to develop Bollinger Champagne 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 artisan tradition by incorporating the best of innovative technologies, to pursue a future of commercial development and quality for the brand.