Bollinger La Grande Année 2018
Golden-yellow colour, a sign of the wine's maturity and vinification. The nose opens on citrus and Granny Smith apple, then orchard fruits, white peach, apricot, mirabelle plum; with aeration come fresh almond, breadcrumb and acacia honey, over a line of citrus and mineral notes lifted by a touch of…
ALL CHAMPAGNES FROM BOLLINGERThe expert verdict
The structure of this champagne
TASTING NOTES
Golden-yellow colour, a sign of the wine's maturity and vinification. The nose opens on citrus and Granny Smith apple, then orchard fruits, white peach, apricot, mirabelle plum; with aeration come fresh almond, breadcrumb and acacia honey, over a line of citrus and mineral notes lifted by a touch of white peony. The palate is structured and balanced, on stewed fruits and quince; the texture becomes smooth, the effervescence creamy, and citrus zest lingers through the finish. Serve between 10 and 12 °C. Ready to drink now or to lay down: Wine Advocate and Vinous see it holding until 2047-2048.
The composition
Terroirs
Nineteen crus, all classified as grand or premier cru. Pinot noir, 66% of the blend, comes mainly from Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ; chardonnay, 34%, from Chouilly and Cuis, whose vineyards once belonged to Athanase de Villermont, one of the house's co-founders. The 2018 vintage: a very wet winter, a mild spring, then the rain stopped in mid-June and successive heatwaves followed; the harvest began on 23 August. The whole cuvée ferments in small, old oak barrels, takes its mousse under cork and ages in the cellar for more than twice the duration required by the appellation; riddling and disgorgement are done by hand. Dosage 6 g/L, 12.5% vol.
About this house
Founded in Aÿ in 1829, Bollinger has remained a family-owned, independent house. It ferments its wines in small oak barrels maintained by its own cooper, keeps its reserve wines in magnums under cork and still hand-riddles its great cuvées: this is the source of the wine's characteristic richness.
La Grande Année is the house's vintage cuvée, drawn solely from grand and premier crus. The 2018, unveiled in Aÿ in March 2026, is the last signed by former cellar master Gilles Descôtes; the house describes it as "vivifying and generous" and presents it as a true gastronomic champagne.
The perfect pairing
Aperitif
The house lists cheese among its pairings: the breadcrumb and almond notes on the nose complement cheese, while its vivacity cuts through the richness of ham.
Starter
The citrus and mineral line of the 2018 season the delicate flesh of sea bass.
Main course
The house's importer suggests veal with garlic and sage: the structure of the pinot noir and the stewed fruits stand up to the meat, while the freshness of the vintage lightens the sauce.
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from Maison Bollinger
Wine information
- Appellation
- Champagne
- Volume
- 75 cl
- Allergens
- Contains sulphites
L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.
