Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 Brut (150cl)

Blend of the 2015 vintage: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay. 11 crus: Mainly Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Fermented entirely in barrels. At Bollinger, only very high quality harvests become a vintage: the exceptional 2014 vintage led to Bollinger creating expressive wines that were simultaneously full, fresh and complex.

Maturation: Sealed with a natural cork and cellar aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation.

Dosage: Moderate, 8 grammes per litre

Sensations: To the eye: Its delicate colour and golden reflections are a sign of the wine’s maturity and Bollinger’s wine-making methods. To the nose: Initial scents are full of small stone fruits, with notes of Pomme Gris, plum and Mirabelle plum, layered with a touch of honey. Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry follow; a medley of red fruits dances with notes of almond. Exotic touches of mango follow, dissolving into tertiary scents of vanilla and a delicate woody aroma. On the palate the wine is plump, generous and enticing, reminiscent of Mirabelle plum jam. Texture and richness define the tasting experience. The finish blends notes of chocolate and citrus fruits, bringing a touch of acidity, lengthened further by hints of schist. A hugely generous wine!

Pairings: Scallops with sorrel and vanilla. Grilled oyster, smoked butter and sea purslane. Hen of the woods mushroom, potato emulsion and truffle.