With a history dating back to the 1800’s Champagne Bollinger has an independent production of sparkling wines that have been recognised worldwide and has even made an appearance in the James Bond films.

In 1829 Athanase de Villermont, the son of a noble French family had a dream to open up his own Champagne house as he saw the potential in the region but was not allowed to trade as he was an aristocrat.

The History

In 1829 Athanase de Villermont, the son of a noble French family had a dream to open up his own Champagne house as he saw the potential in the region but was not allowed to trade as he was an aristocrat.

He then met Joseph Bollinger, who was a German that moved to France to learn about winemaking and Paul Renaudin a local man who was fascinated with the wine making process which led him to form a company with the two called Renaudin – Bolinger and Cie.

Joseph married Louise – Charlotte the daughter of Athanase and in time their children took over the business and sustained through the Great War and the root disease that attacked all of Europe.

Under the guidance of George Bollinger and his cousins, the vineyards were extended and the House of Bollinger extended through the channels and managed to survive the Second World War and George also became the Mayor of Ay, which ensured the protection of his village.

Madame Bollinger became the charmer of the business in 1943 and had innovative and creative ideas along with being a strategist and a brilliant businesswoman who created the Bollinger R.D. Cuvee and rode her bicycle through the vineyards.

She carefully thought about which family members were to succeed her and decided to make her niece’s husband the chairman and after him came her nephew Christian Bizot taking over in 1978.

In 1994 Joseph Bollinger’s great – great grandson took over the family business as Head of the House and after training in Chile and his tireless efforts that combine science with enthusiasm, Ghislain de Montgolfier was elected head of the board of Union des Maisons de Champagne.

In 2008 the first head of the house appointed was not a family member but his impressive career and expertise with the help of family behind him, Jerome Philipon has continued to preserve the brand and extend their growth.

Wines from Champagne Bollinger

French Red Wine - French White Wine - French Rosé Wine - Champagne - French Sparkling Wine

More Champagne from Bollinger at page 2

The Vineyards of Bollinger   

The vineyard consists of 165 hectares planted with 85% Grand Cru and Premier Cru vines spread across 7 main vineyards;  Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxieres, Louvois et Verzenay,  planted with Pinot Noir.  Cuis consists of Chardonnay and Champvoisy is planted with Pinot Meunier.

Clos Saint Jacques and Chaudes Terres are two main plots that were never affected by the American root disease Phylloxera and are tended by hand with reproduction done with provignage, a layering that preserves the vines.

The farming is done with sustainable methods using biological pest control, planting flowers such as Orchids helps preserve biodiversity and they have reduced their herbicide usage, along with 4 hectares of one of the plots being completely organic.

A video posted by Champagne Bollinger (@champagne_bollinger) on Nov 17, 2015 at 9:41am PST

The Winery

Bollinger has their own cooperage, which makes the barrels and they have over 3500 barrels with some of them as old as 100 years.

A video posted by Champagne Bollinger (@champagne_bollinger) on Sep 24, 2015 at 10:50am PDT

The wines are vinified in old oak casks and the cellar master is then in control of the taste test that give him the ideas to create innovative and interesting wines blending technical and logical expertise.

Fermentation is done cru by cru and is pressed immediately after harvesting with malolactic fermentation and use traditional yeasts.

Oak and stainless steel tanks are used for their non-vintage wines and spend a long time on their lees with ageing for non-vintage wines; 3 years whilst vintages are aged from 6 to 8 years.

A video posted by Champagne Bollinger (@champagne_bollinger) on Sep 4, 2015 at 5:33am PDT

Bollinger Champagne Collection

As the House has been featured in many Bond movies special editions were made to celebrate the partnership of Bond and Bollinger.

A video posted by Champagne Bollinger (@champagne_bollinger) on Dec 1, 2015 at 10:17am PST

For the film Spectre, Bollinger released a limited edition 2009 vintage that was presented in an innovative gift box in celebration of their partnership since 1979.

The other two special editions for the film release came with a custom made chill box that allows the Champagne to be kept cool for two hours.

Bollinger has a variety of 7 different Champagnes which include;

• Special Cuvee
• Rose
• La Grande Annee
• Annee Rose
• Bollinger R.D.
• Vieilles Vignes Francaises
• La Cote Aux Enfants

Bollinger R.D. Brut has a golden hue with aromas of stewed fruit and honey ending on a note cocoa with flavours of anise and nutmeg.  Created by Madame Bollinger.

How can one not enjoy cheeses with a Bollinger R.D. 2002? A perfect pairing. #LifeCanBePerfect #BollingerRD #ChampagneBollinger

A photo posted by Champagne Bollinger (@champagne_bollinger) on Nov 23, 2015 at 3:46am PST

Visit Champagne Bollinger

The House of Bollinger can be visited with a guided tour that involves the history, the vineyards and the taste test with guided information from the cellar masters.

This estate has been recognised all over the world and the generations that led to its success have instilled a sense of sophistication and strength in the taste of their Champagnes.

Tours and Events

Read more about events.

Contact Information

Champagne Bollinger
Website: http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +33 (0) 3 26 53 33 66

Find Champagne Bollinger on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or Youtube.

Address

Champagne Bollinger
16, rue Jules-Lobet – B.P.4
51160 Aÿ Champagne, France

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