Bollinger has unveiled the latest expression of its 2007 RD Cuvee with a new label that honors the Champagne’s past.
RD, which stands for ‘récemment dégorgé’ – ‘recently disgorged’ – was a Bollinger vintage cuvée first shared in 1967 with Champagne from the 1952 harvest.
Since its inception the label was used to champion an older vintage of Champagne that had been disgorged shortly before release, and featuring a low dosage. These two traits were extremely rare in the region at the time.
Bollinger continues this unique tradition today, and, marking the expression’s long history, the latest release had been redesigned to feature its original aluminum alloy material. Lettering is expressed in the 1952 font, and reflecting the inaugural release, the date of disgorgement is listed on the front label.
As for the 2007 expression, this differs slightly from the usual cuvée, because the proportions are altered, and it features Wines from fewer villages.
While the RD cuvée normally has a greater percentage of Pinot Noir from Aÿ, in 2007, which was a warm, early year, there is a larger amount of this grape variety from Verzenay, a cooler area, with a north-facing aspect, ensuring this top-end Bollinger expression retains its characteristic freshness.
Addressing press during an online launch event Bollinger’s deputy chef de cave, Denis Bunner, said: “When it is a hot vintage we use more Verzenay than Aÿ, because it is more north orientated, and with the 2007, Verzenay dominates with 29% of the blend.”
Sourcing grapes from fewer villages, 14 compared to an average of around 20, the production of RD from the 2007 harvest is around 10% lower than the last release, which was from the 2004 vintage.
Bunner said that this release would pair well with foods containing saffron. Despite hot conditions in 2007, particularly during the early part of the growing season, the 2007 RD has particularly unexpected qualities of energy and spice.
Bollinger RD 2007 is made up of 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 14 crus, including 91% Grand Crus and 9% Premier Crus.
The French brand‘s new offering will be available to order from fine wine merchants from 9 March at £625.00 per 6x75cl case IBD exc. VAT.
Champagne expert, Richard Juhlin, described it as “an unusually fine-tuned classic,” awarding it 94 points.