Champagne Bollinger has unveiled its La Grande Année 2014 vintage. The brand says the sparking wine comes from a year of “mixed fortunes” in regards to the weather, despite which the quality of grapes was high.
A rainy autumn and winter gave way to two parched, sunny months, of which June was the sunniest in 50 years. Then there was summer, August in particular, when the winery experienced especially cold weather. All Bollinger vineyards began harvesting at the same time, September 15, and finished just nine days later. This is notably brief as harvesting usually takes two weeks. Owing in part to the fine weather in September, the quality of the grape was maintained, perfectly balancing the maturity and acidity of the grape musts.
A blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay, Bollinger notes, “the 2014 vintage gave rise to a wine that is simultaneously structured, rich and complex, in terms of both its minerality and exceptional intensity.”
“Each bottle of La Grande Année is the result of the passionate, detailed and rigorous work of all those who have worked at Bollinger. Their artisanal methods have been passed down from generation to generation,” commented Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger.
On the nose, the Champagne is precise and fruity with aromas of cherry, lemon, bergamot, and quince, alongside notes of hazelnut, almond, peach, and mirabelle plum. The palace offers a fine and intense effervescence with orchard fruits and citrus. Sea air is present on the finish.
Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 is now available in the UK for £125, while the La Grande Année Rosé 2014 will be released later this year for £150.
For more information, head over to Bollinger’s official website.
In September, Bollinger launched a limited edition vintage Champagne called B13 to mark the region’s “turbulent” 2013 harvest.
Last year, the house also released a limited edition, James Bond-themed Cuvée called 007 to celebrate the release of No Time To Die, Daniel Craig’s final feature in the Bond cinematic world.
