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The Drink Aristocrat’s guide to: Bollinger

ByDrinks Aristocrat

Bollinger R.D. 1999 Vintage

The House of Bollinger is very sophisticated indeed. With some of the most delicate and decadent sparkling wines from the Champagne region in their arsenal, there is little wonder.

Affectionately known in the UK as ‘Bolly’, the Bollinger story begun over 400 years ago when one of the founding families of the Bollinger brand, the Hennequins, began dabbling in wine making on their land in Cramant. By the 18th Century, wine was being produced on this land by the Villermont family. It was not until 1829 that the champagne house, Renaudin Bollinger, was founded by the three fathers of the brand: Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and German born Jacques Bollinger.

Today, the Bollinger that the world knows and loves is a far cry from its humble roots. Having undergone substantial expansion over the past 100 years, it remains one of the last independent Champagne houses and operates over 150 hectares of vineyards.

Some of the most popular bottles to come out of this legendary house include the ‘Special Cuvée’ which, although non-vintage, is the perfect expression of Bollinger’s style and class. Using a Pinot heavy blend, this is a complex and long lasting Champagne that gives the drinker plenty to think about and a nice toasty finish. From the vintage selection, Bollinger’s Grand Année and R.D. are both exceptional choices for a special occasion. For something truly out of this world, it has to be the Vielles Vignes Françaises, a prestige cuvée using grapes from ungrafted, ancient vines for a flavour that will knock your socks off.

From our friends at The Drink Aristocrat

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