Bollinger Grande Année | 2015

There's nothing quite like Bollinger. Fermentation takes place in barrels (at least 20 years old), malolactic fermentation is encouraged (not blocked), reserve wines are kept in magnums (not 750MLs), and all bottles are aged on the lees under cork (not cap). 

The newly released 2015 Grande Année represents a highly concentrated year with very little rain in June and July. The volume of the berries was 30% less than a typical harvest, which resulted in big aromas and an impressively cozy mouthfeel. A blend of 11 crus, predominantly 60% of Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ with 40% of Chardonnay from Chouilly and Avize, the finished wine has a dosage of about 7 grams per liter. In classic Bollinger style, the wine speaks in textures with lively notes of red berries, pastry crumbs, and sourdough bread. The bubbles are infinitely tiny, the finish is grand, and the feeling is stupendous. Gift it, drink it, or hold it, you can never go wrong with Bollinger Grande Année. ~Allegra A