Bollinger Grande Annee is a magnificent wine made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, sourced from 11 Crus across the region. Fermentation is carried out exclusively in oak barrels, which is a defining characteristic of the wine. It is an expressive and powerful wine, with black fruit notes, plum and red fruits along with a distinctive woody/vanilla note on the palate. There are also fresher notes of citrus and the bubbles are remarkably fine. Almost as remarkable as their marketing bumf.

“Wood, the vein running through 2015 Bollinger vintages.”

“In 2015, the vines encounter the forest. Wood becomes the grain running through both the Grande Année and Grande Année Rosé. A living material that uplifts the Bollinger taste. This vintage is like a predella to this legendary winery that provides its exceptional savoir-faire and bestows its distinctive signature.”

Champagne Bollinger was founded in 1829 by Joseph Bollinger and Athanase de Villermont. The company built a reputation for quality through the years in both France and England, but it was the arrival of a lady of Scottish decent, Elizabeth Law Lauriston-Boubers, who married Jacques Bollinger in 1923, that set the house on the path to greatness. Lily, or Madame Bollinger as she was known with her graceful charm, was the driving force behind Bollinger R.D. She was a brilliant brand ambassador and dauntless businesswomen. Today, the brand is famous for its association with James Bond and Patsy from Absolutely Fabulous – what an amazing marriage that would have made!