Bollinger cellar master, Denis Bunner says the weather of 2015 was a sign it was going to be a good vintage, with the “exquisite texture, concentration and generosity” of the vintage evident in every bottle.
“2015 expresses more of the soul of a Bollinger millésimé than any other year. More opulent, more powerful, it exalts Pinot Noir. Uplifted by maturation in wooden casks, this champagne reveals the characteristics of an exceptional year,” Bunner said.
The year was defined by blazing hot sunshine was moderated by rain showers. The mild, wet winter gave way to a balmy early spring, reducing the risk of frost.
With the highest recorded levels of sunshine since 2007, cx April set the tone for a hot, dry summer. Flowering went smoothly despite hydric stress, which was tempered by winter reserves and a rainy August.
Harvest began on September 4th and was of a very high quality. Compact bunches of small berries – some of which reached an average ripeness of 10.5%vol – had quite high levels of acidity and were “extremely healthy”.
Bunner said the “exquisite texture, concentration and generosity” of the vintage was evident in every bottle.
“The appearance of the grapes and the weather in 2015 clearly point to a very promising vintage. And so, we harvest, we make the wine, and then we wait seven long years. Then it is out of our hands. We relinquish our control and, today, give in to discovery. What a thrill! The taste is well-rooted, earthy, powerful, and concentrated. You can taste the sunshine, which is enhanced by the wood,” he said.
Bollinger said La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé were “premium gastronomic wines”, which complement distinctive dishes with bold flavours such as wild game, foie gras, and red berries.
“The delicate texture of the 2015 cuvées produces exquisitely harmonious wines. La Grande Année’s creamy effervescence is the perfect complement to meat dishes, mushrooms, nuts, and red berries, as well as complex flavours such as citrus peel.
“The wine is full of sunshine, in subtle reference to the colour of our champagnes. A tonal range of taste, the colour palette of Bollinger wines.
La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé will be available in selected bottle shops from June for RRP $310 and RRP $420 respectively in a gift box.
