Elizabeth & Wine

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    Exploring Champagne Bollinger in France

    11 July 2023 · 2 min read · by Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite

    Exploring Champagne Bollinger in France

    Welcome to the enchanting world of Bollinger Champagne, nestled in the heart of France. Picture it: perfectly manicured vines stretching as far as the eye can see, a testament to the rich history and craftsmanship of this remarkable town.

    Step into the vineyard, and you'll witness the dedication to environmental sustainability. Bollinger was the first Champagne house to be certified HVE which means High Environmental Value designation. Since 2016, they have abandoned the use of herbicides, and currently, 20% of their vineyards are organic, with a goal to achieve 100% organic production by their 200th birthday.

    Person standing outside the Champagne Bollinger entrance in a striped top and white shorts

    Venture into the cellar, and you'll be astounded by what lies beneath. Imagine a labyrinth of corridors, where 15 million bottles rest in reserve. The cellar's temperature is maintained at 12 degrees Celsius through out the year, providing the perfect climate for aging these exceptional wines. And get this, the cellars span a staggering total of 6 kilometers!

    Now, here's the unique selling proposition that sets Bollinger apart. Their wines are led by the noble Pinot Noir grape, which makes up an impressive 60% of their blends. This signature style gives Bollinger Champagne its distinct character and unparalleled richness.

    Bollinger champagne bottles and a tasting glass displayed with flowers on a wooden barrel

    When it comes to non-vintage (NV) Champagne, Bollinger goes the extra mile. 55% of their NV wines are made from vintages, ensuring a depth of flavour and complexity. Additionally, 15% of their NV wines are aged in magnums, adding to the grandeur and richness of the Bollinger taste. But it doesn't stop there. Bollinger takes meticulous care in crafting their vintage wines. Each bottle is touched by human hands over 100 times, showcasing the commitment to excellence and attention to detail. From hand-labelling to hand-crafting, every step is an art form.

    So, the next time you indulge in a glass of Bollinger Champagne, raise it high and toast to the passion, heritage, and unwavering commitment to excellence that flows through every drop. Bollinger is more than a Champagne, it's a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and the art of celebration.

    ad • This trip was kindly gifted from Mentzendorff

    Entrance to Champagne Bollinger, with ornate gates and a grand building at number 20.Person with arms outstretched beneath the Champagne Bollinger entranceLarge wooden Bollinger wine barrels outside a pale stone buildingRed roses in front of a vineyard and modern winery buildingYoung grapevines with wooden posts and a Bollinger stone marker beneath a cloudy skyArched Champagne cellar lined with thousands of bottles, lit by warm overhead lightsBollinger Champagne bottles stored in a warmly lit underground cellar behind black iron barsRows of Champagne bottles stacked in a warm, underground cellar, with a small numbered sign among them.Man standing beside an open oak barrel in a workshop decorated with Bollinger Champagne posters and toolsTraditional cooperage workshop with wooden barrels, hand tools and timber on shelves and a workbenchWooden crates labelled Champagne Bollinger Brut 1962, filled with nails in a cellar workshopVintage Bollinger Champagne posters displayed above a traditional workshop bench and hand toolsClose-up of a wooden Champagne barrel with a circular bung hole and pink grape residueOverhead view of a glass of rosé Champagne beside a bouquet of pink flowers and raspberriesThree Bollinger Champagne bottles and a glass on a barrel table with flowers and event leaflets