Founded in 1829, the House of Bollinger has upheld a remarkable reputation for crafting some of the finest Champagnes in the world. Uniquely, it remains 100% family-owned, which allows Bollinger to safeguard its heritage and maintain the meticulous standards that have made the brand a byword for quality. Since 1858, Mentzendorff has proudly acted as Bollinger’s agent, sharing these exceptional Champagnes with connoisseurs worldwide.
From its inception, Bollinger has stood out by simultaneously serving as both grower and producer. The House sources a minimum of 70% of its grapes from its own vineyards—an ironclad requirement spelled out in the Bollinger Charter of Ethics and Quality, published in 1992. This commitment ensures complete control over each step of the winemaking process and guarantees the consistently high standards for which Bollinger is revered.
Unlike many other Champagne producers, Bollinger focuses on just two core blends. The first is used to craft the iconic Special Cuvée, often considered the quintessential expression of the Bollinger house style. Once the year’s harvest is in, blending decisions are made in January, drawing on grapes from various crus and a selection of reserve wines to ensure a balanced, harmonious result. Subtle yearly variations are woven together to maintain the hallmark Bollinger taste: refined, elegant, and richly layered.
The second Bollinger blend forms the basis of its vintage Champagnes, producing the renowned Grande Année exclusively in outstanding years. In these vintages, Bollinger carefully chooses the best parcels of grapes—variety by variety, cru by cru—to capture the character of the season. For those even rarer wines that undergo extended ageing on the lees, Bollinger labels them R.D. (Recently Disgorged), enhancing complexity for a truly luxurious experience.
In exceptional years, Bollinger crafts La Grande Année, its prestigious cuvée. Around 75% of the fruit is sourced from Grand Cru sites, and 25% from top-tier Premier Crus. First fermentation occurs in 100% old oak barrels, followed by a minimum of five years on the lees—a rigorous, quality-focused approach that leaves no detail overlooked.
Bollinger’s Non-Vintage Rosé is a relatively recent addition to the portfolio, though well worth the wait. Showcasing notes of plum, patisserie, cinnamon, and spice, this rosé Champagne deftly balances power and finesse. Its vibrant flavours and robust structure make it a versatile partner for a variety of dishes, illustrating Bollinger’s dedication to creating complex, food-friendly Champagnes.
Today, Bollinger’s reputation rests on its unwavering commitment to excellence, from vineyard management to final blending and ageing. By combining tradition, innovation, and a meticulous hands-on approach, the House consistently delivers Champagnes of exceptional depth, elegance, and character. Whether savoured in the form of the enduring Special Cuvée, the refined Grande Année, or the sophisticated Rosé, Bollinger stands as a benchmark for discerning Champagne lovers around the world.
