Champagne R.D. 2008 Bollinger 1.5Lt in case

An older vintage, disgorged shortly before release, with a very low dosage: the RD vintage is the embodiment of Madame Bollinger's boldness. The anticipated aging, combined with the instantaneous disgorgement, allows for a harmonious contrast of the RD vintage's different temporalities.
Today, Bollinger RD 2008 takes us back in time and allows us to discover a lively and highly complex wine. It finds the perfect ingredient in the freshness and generosity of hazelnut, an echo of its splendor.

• Assembly: The 2008 vintage is 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. There are 18 vintages, primarily Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for the Chardonnay. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels. Bollinger RD is released a few months after disgorgement with a very low dosage, called "Extra Brut," of just 3 grams per liter. This recent disgorgement gives the wine a remarkable freshness on the palate.
• The vintage: The year 2008 was marked by uncertain weather conditions: cool spring weather that continued into summer, then the return of sunshine during the harvest. Despite these climatic challenges, Maison Bollinger, thanks to its expertise, managed to preserve its vineyard: 2008 was an exceptional year, characterized by an abundance of Pinot Noir. The wines developed significant aromas, with lively and powerful Chardonnays and characteristic, well-structured Pinot Noirs.
• Tasting: To the eye
  A dress dyed with golden reflections.
  A gourmet nose with aromas of almond paste. Notes of compote such as apricot, honey, and breadcrumbs accompany the fresh notes of bergamot.
  On the palate
  On the palate, it opens with a rich and precise effervescence. Flavors of mirabelle plum and yellow peach complement the citrus notes. A very lively wine that develops and displays all its complexity. The savory finish paired with fresh hazelnut gives it a persistent finish.

SIZE: 1.5 litre bottle in a case.

Technical data sheet

SIZE: 1.5 litre bottle in a case.

ORIGIN: France.

GRAPES: 71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay.

GRADATION: 12.5% ​​vol.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Temperature between 8/10°C.

STORAGE METHOD: In a cool place away from sunlight.

PRODUCER: Champagne Bollinger - Aÿ, France.

SPECIFIC NOTES: Contains sulphites.

History of Bollinger Champagne

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 vast estate in the Aÿ area from his family. He immediately recognized the extraordinary potential of Champagne wines, but as an aristocrat, he was forbidden from engaging in 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 fascinated by the world of wine. The Renaudin-Bollinger company & Cie was founded on February 6, 1829. Giuseppe handled sales and Paolo the cellar. Athanase had founded a champagne house that would endure 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 brothers, Bollinger nevertheless achieved great renown and significantly 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 courageously, aided by his cousins ​​Pierre and then Yves Moret de Rocheprise; for Bollinger's strength also lay in his powerful family ties. Sophisticated, cultured, and fluent in English, Jacques increased Bollinger's prominence across the Channel. When Scotswoman Elizabeth Bollinger (née Law de Lauriston-Boubers) married Jacques in 1923, she too would become passionately invested in the House's fate. 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 mantle. "Madame Jacques," as she was known within the House, threw herself wholeheartedly into her new role. During her numerous trips abroad, her natural grace and charm worked wonders. Cheerful and witty, Madame Bollinger was also a formidable strategist. A fearless entrepreneur, she was also a perfectionist and tolerated nothing short of excellence. She 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 best equipped to follow in her footsteps. First, she 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 that met Bollinger's quality standards. 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 well-traveled man, 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, the great-nephew of founder Joseph Bollinger became head of the House. After beginning his career in Chile, Ghislain de Montgolfier continued to develop the House, with the pursuit of excellence as his guiding light. He continues to maintain a policy of voluntarily limiting production quantities 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, non-family member was appointed as President. This was Jérôme Philipon, a Champagne native who has built an impressive career with major industrial groups. This marked the first time in Bollinger's history that its future was entrusted to someone outside the family. Together with the family, Jérôme Philipon continued to develop Bollinger Champagne and ensure its principles and values ​​were respected. In 2017, Charles-Armand de Belenet became CEO of Champagne Bollinger. Under his leadership, Bollinger continues to preserve its artisanal tradition while incorporating the best of innovative technologies, pursuing a future of commercial development and quality for the brand.