It was 1963 and Maison Bollinger, under the guidance of the audacious Madame Bollinger, then known as "Madame Jacques" (name acquired by her husband Jacques Bollinger who died prematurely), began to offer the market its "Réserve 1947", with the aim of competing with the “Bouteilles spéciales” of the other Maisons. In those years, in fact, the trend of producing prestigious Cuvées had spread, differentiating them from the classic Cuvées with very high prices. Madame Bollinger didn’t want to give in to this trend because she would have diminished the other wines of the Maison which were all produced according to the strictest quality standards. Her creative and audacious idea was instead to propose a Cuvée that stood out in its originality and that represented a unique and exclusive tasting experience: she therefore thought of an vintage Cuvée, recently disgorged and dosed as Extra Brut.
It was 1967 and the three vintages 1952, 1953 and 1955 were launched simultaneously under the name of Bollinger R.D. (Recently Disgorged). It was a real revolution in the world of Champagne and the following vintages proclaimed its international fame. Produced only in the great vintages, even today Bollinger R.D. is a real icon, synonymous of a unique style, effect of a long stay on the yeasts at least three times more than what is required by specification. A contrast between freshness and the extraordinary aromas of an old vintage.
Result of the 2008 vintage, considered exceptional despite the uncertain climatic conditions, Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2008 is the blending of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay from grapes coming from 18 different Crus, including, above all, Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for the Chardonnay.
Fermentation is done entirely in oak barrels and the dosage is 3 g/l. The combination of the long aging period of at least ten years and the recent disgorgement before being marketed creates a harmonious contrast between the liveliness of the wine and the important aromas shaped by the time.
With brilliant golden reflections, Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2008 is wonderfully complex to the nose: fresh notes of bergamot follow aromas of dried fruit such as hazelnut, marzipan, notes of stewed apricots, honey and hints of breadcrumbs. Citrus notes are released on the palate which is exuberant with fresh, almost saline notes, balanced by an intense and lasting aromatic complexity. A generous Champagne, with a unique and incomparable flavour.
A wine to be savored immediately, or to be left in the cellar to mature to reveal the depth of its ever-evolving aromas.
If you want to try Champagne Bollinger R.D. 2008, you can find it here in the classic version, magnum and jeroboam.
To discover all the other Bollinger Champagnes click here.