Intensely rich and biscuity, yeasty nose. Powerful flavours of toasted nuts, wild fruits and crème brûlée abound, balanced with lively acidity. La Grand Année develops a majestic vinosity, intense, rich and complex aromas whose tonality varies according to the nature of the vintage.
Background: La Grande Année is Bollinger's Prestige Cuvée and is only produced when exceptional vintages occur. The grapes come exclusively from Grands and Premiers Crus. Grapes from some 15 Grand and Premier Crus from the Marne department go into the composition. Bollinger use only the ‘cuvée’ juice in the making of La Grande Année. The first fermentation is always carried out 100% in old oak barrels, which has become quite unique in Champagne. The Cru's are fermented in small oak barrels which enables a rigorous selection. Bollinger uses only old barrels (5 years and more) in order to generate neither an oaky taste nor tannins. This method reinforces the aromatic complexity and the ageing potential of the wines. Once the wine is bottled the second fermentation and cellar ageing are conducted under natural cork. This method, nowadays very seldom used in Champagne, is a guarantee of freshness. It allows the aromas to preserve all their bouquet. La Grande Année then ages in the cellars for at least 5 years. After Manual riddling and disgorging, La Grande Année rests for a minimum of 3 months prior to shipment. |
