--------THE PRODUCER--------
Champagne Bollinger
Founded in the 1829 in Ay, the larger than life, family-managed Bollinger champagne house has long been a favourite of high flyers and licensed-to-kill double-o agents. Not styled to lurk in the shadows, the non-vintage is fittingly robust and opulent, expanding joyously onto the palate in a wave of appley authority, while the vintage and prestige expressions are held in high regard.
During her reign at the company (1941-1971), the expansive Lilly Bollinger put it thus: ‘I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.’
During her reign at the company (1941-1971), the expansive Lilly Bollinger put it thus: ‘I drink it when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it, unless I’m thirsty.’
--------THE GRAPE--------
Champagne blend
It might not be obvious looking at a Champagne or any other sparkling wine made by the Methode Traditionelle method, but Pinot Noir is one of the main grapes in these fizzy treats. Along with Chardonnay which is equally important and Pinot Meunier, to a lesser extent. Pinot Noir helps to give body and aromatics, Chardonnay gives acidity and finesse and Pinot Meunier can help to add some body or colour.
--------THE REGION--------
Champagne
Champagne is the famous region that makes the even more famous sparkling wines: Champagne. These wines are made via the Methode Tradtionelle process where the finished wines will undergo a secondary fermentation in bottle to create bubbles.