Bollinger
Jacques Bollinger, who was born at Ellwanger in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, came to Champagne in 1822. In 1829, together with Hennequin de Villermont and Paul Levieux Renaudin, he founded the Champagne House of Bollinger Renaudin at Ay. The Bollinger family have managed the House ever since. Despite Paul Renaudin dying without issue, his name remained on the label until the 1960's.
Pehaps the most famous memeber of the Bollinger family was "Lilly" Bollinger who married Jacques' great grandson and took over the Company when he died in 1941. She is responsible for the famous quote
"I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I’m thirsty"
Except in the very best vintages, only the first pressings are used (the rest being sold off) and Bollinger still carry out first fermentations in oak.
Bollinger own around 160ha of vineyard which account for about 60% of their requirements. They are planted to about 60% Pinot Noir.

Non Vintage France
Bollinger is undoubtedly one of the very best of the Grandes Marques, consistent in its high quality of wine used in the blend, and recognizable for its very distinctive style; a cut above the rest, perhaps.
Non Vintage Rosé France
In the meticulous House style, Bollinger Rosé is modelled on the Special Cuvée blend, combining the fruits of previous harvests plus the addition of reserve wines from their cellars in Ay. The final component, which provides colour and delicate aromas of ripe red fruits, is a proportion of still red wine coming exclusively from Bollinger's Grand Cru Vineyards in the Cote d'Ay and Verzenay. Very Bollinger in style, and yet with freshness and elegance... (more info)
Vintage France
One of the great vintages of Bollinger which is a joy to drink right now, but will cellar fabulously well for five years and more. Rather odd that Jancis finds notes of 'roast chicken', but then it does have plenty of stuffing!





