La Grande Année is probably the cuvée most representative of the Bollinger style. The 2014 vintage is characterized by great finesse, minerality and remarkable intensity.
Grande Année 2014 Bollinger is made from the finest terroirs in Champagne, terroirs classified as Premiers and Grands Crus. As traditionally at Bollinger, Pinot Noir is in the majority, here with 61% (notably from Aÿ and Verzenay). It is complemented by 39% Chardonnay (notably from Chouilly, Oiry, Cramant and Mesnil-sur-Oger).
This cuvée embodies all the expertise of the House of Bollinger. Vinification is carried out exclusively in small oak barrels, averaging 20 years in age, maintained in the company's cooperage. Bollinger owns a stock of over 3,500 barrels, and even employs a cooper, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, on a permanent basis. Racking and disgorging, entirely carried out by hand, are two operations that take place after the bottles have been aged under a cork. This long ageing is one of the keys to the Bollinger style.
The dosage is moderate, around 8 grams per liter.
La Grande Année 2014 Bollinger has a deep, golden color that reflects the wine's maturity.
The nose is fruity. There are notes of red fruit, but also citrus. The second nose is dominated by notes of hazelnut, almond and mirabelle plum.
On the palate, the wine opens with fine, intense bubbles. The attack is very elegant, firm but not excessive. The mid-palate is greedy, with citrus and apple aromas reminiscent of the nose. The finish is slightly iodized and lingers for long seconds on the palate.
La Grande Année 2014 is the perfect champagne to pair with white fish, shellfish or scallops.
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