Bollinger Champagne

Bollinger Champagne: An Independent Champagne House with Historical Depth and Outstanding Quality

History of the house Bollinger

The Bollinger champagne house was founded in 1829 in the small town of Aÿ in der Champagne, Frankreich, gegründet. Die Gründer, Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin und Jacques Bollinger, legten den Grundstein für eine Marke, die sich schnell einen Namen für exzellente Qualität und traditionelles Handwerk machte. Jacques Bollinger, ein junger und dynamischer Unternehmer, führte das Haus durch die frühen Jahre und etablierte Bollinger als eines der führenden Champagnerhäuser der Region.

Bereits früh setzte Bollinger Champagne auf höchste Qualitätsstandards. Während andere Hersteller in Zeiten von Krisen und wirtschaftlichen Herausforderungen Kompromisse eingingen, hielt Bollinger an seinen strengen Produktionsrichtlinien fest. Ein entscheidender Moment in der History des Hauses war die Übernahme durch Madame Lily Bollinger im Jahr 1941. Nach dem Tod ihres Mannes Jacques übernahm sie die Leitung des Hauses und führte es durch die schwierigen Kriegsjahre und die Nachkriegszeit. Unter ihrer Führung festigte Bollinger seinen Ruf als Hersteller von Spitzenchampagner.

An iconic quote from Madame Lily Bollinger illustrates her passion for champagne and her philosophy:

"I drink champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone; and when I have company, I can't miss it. When I'm not hungry, I whet my appetite with it, and when I'm hungry, I savour it. But otherwise I don't touch it, except when I'm thirsty."

The most famous champagne: La Grande Année

Bollinger Champagne is known for a number of outstanding champagnes, but one of the most famous and prestigious is undoubtedly the "La Grande Année" cuvée. This vintage champagne is only produced in exceptional years and represents the very best that Bollinger has to offer. La Grande Année is made from the best grapes from the Bollinger vineyards and matures on the lees for at least five years before disgorgement.

The Cuvée La Grande Année is characterised by its remarkable complexity and depth. It combines the power and structure of Pinot Noir with the finesse and elegance of Chardonnay. The result is a champagne of exceptional quality that is appreciated by connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. La Grande Année is a champagne for special occasions and represents the philosophy of Bollinger: uncompromising quality and artisanal excellence.

Current information on vineyards and headquarters

Today, Bollinger Champagne owns 174 hectares of vineyards, 85% of which are planted with Grand Cru and Premier Cru vines. These vineyards are spread over seven main growing areas in Champagne: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Verzenay are planted with Pinot Noir, Cuis with Chardonnay and Champvoisy with Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir accounts for 60% of the vineyard and plays a central role in characterising the Bollinger champagnes. This demanding grape variety gives the wines their remarkable structure and complexity.

A speciality of the Bollinger vineyards are two parcels, Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres, which never succumbed to the phylloxera catastrophe of the early 20th century. These ungrafted vines are cultivated entirely by hand and reproduced using a traditional layering method, the provignage, in order to preserve this unique heritage. These vines are used to produce the exclusive Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Françaises, a champagne of rare finesse and exceptional quality.

Bollinger Champagne is still based in Aÿ, one of the most historically significant towns in Champagne. Aÿ is known for its first-class Pinot Noir vineyards and its long tradition of Champagne production. The historic estate of Bollinger includes not only the wine cellars and production facilities, but also beautiful gardens and the impressive family estate.

The ethics charter and quality policy

Bollinger is one of the few major champagne houses that is still privately owned today. This allows the house to remain independent and maintain its high quality standards without compromise. In the 1990s, when many Champagne houses were expanding their acreage and shortening minimum storage times to meet increased demand, Bollinger responded by introducing a strict ethical charter. This charter sets out detailed criteria for wine production and ensures that every bottle of Bollinger meets the highest quality standards.

A central aspect of the ethical charter is the use of mainly own grapes for champagne production. While many other houses buy in grapes, Bollinger favours the control and quality of its own vineyards. This not only guarantees the origin and quality of the grapes, but also sustainability and responsibility towards the environment.

Historical and current developments

Since its foundation, Bollinger has overcome many challenges and continued to develop. During the world wars and economic crises, the house proved its resilience and innovative spirit. A significant milestone was the introduction of the Special Cuvée in 1911, which is now regarded as the house's flagship champagne. The Special Cuvée embodies the essence of Bollinger and is made from a blend of mainly Pinot Noir, supplemented by Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. It matures for at least three years in the Bollinger cellars and is characterised by its fine perlage and complex aromatic profile.

In recent decades, Bollinger has continuously invested in the modernisation of its production facilities and the care of its vineyards. Despite this modernisation, the house remains true to the traditional methods that make its champagnes so special. Artisanal vinification and long maturation on the lees are key elements of the Bollinger philosophy.

International recognition and partnerships

Bollinger enjoys an outstanding reputation worldwide and is represented in over 100 countries. Its champagnes can regularly be found in the best restaurants and at the most exclusive events. Bollinger is also the official champagne of the British Royal Family and was awarded the Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria in 1884. This honour has since been renewed by all subsequent British monarchs.

Ein weiteres Highlight in der Geschichte von Bollinger ist die Partnerschaft mit der James-Bond-Filmreihe. Seit 1979 ist Bollinger der offizielle Champagner von James Bond und erscheint in vielen der berühmten Filme. Diese Verbindung mit einer der bekanntesten Filmikonen der Welt hat die internationale Bekanntheit und das Prestige von Bollinger weiter gesteigert.

Future and sustainability Bollinger Champagne

Bollinger Champagne is actively committed to sustainability and environmental protection. The house has introduced numerous initiatives to reduce its ecological footprint and promote sustainable winegrowing practices. These include the conversion to organic and biodynamic cultivation methods in some vineyards as well as investments in renewable energies and resource conservation.

The future of Bollinger looks promising. With a strong heritage, an unwavering commitment to quality and a clear vision for sustainability and innovation, Bollinger will continue to play a leading role in the world of champagne.

Overall, Bollinger Champagne remains a symbol of excellence and tradition in Champagne. With a rich history, outstanding champagnes such as La Grande Année and a firm foothold in the Champagne region, Bollinger sets the standard for quality and craftsmanship. The house remains a beacon in the world of Champagne and will continue to win the hearts of wine lovers around the world.