Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2015

Most people know Bollinger Champagne from its regular brut variety, but the house also makes a Rolls Royce of Champagne. Their top-of-the-line "La Grande Année Rosé" is only produced in peak vintages, like the 2015 vintage. It took a while for a new release, as we hadn't heard anything about it for four years. But thankfully, it's finally here, and we can reveal that Bollinger demonstrates true craftsmanship with this rosé. Founded in 1829, the Champagne house has been producing the very best quality ever since, a quality that Bollinger holds in high regard. They are located in the small town of Ay, where some of the finest Champagnes originate. Behind the house, on the mountain behind the house, lie the vineyards for this La Grande Année 2015. Bollinger has chosen to make this Vintage with 67 percent Pinot Noir, with the remainder made solely with Chardonnay. Because the grapes must be true gems, they come from no fewer than 21 different Crus. Simply the best and oldest vineyards in Champagne Bollinger.

The harvest of the La Grande Année Rosé 2015

The vineyards, located in the commune of Ay en Verzenay, grow the red Pinot Noir grape. They are situated behind the house, and from the Bollinger garden, you can already see the beautiful vines. The Chardonnay is grown a little further south, specifically in Oiry, because that's where the very best Chardonnay bunches are grown. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, and each bunch is inspected visually. Only the finest bunches are placed in small wooden crates and transported to Champagne Bollinger.

Wood aging for the La Grande Année Rosé 2015

After pressing, this La Grande Année Rosé 2015 undergoes fermentation, which is done entirely in small wooden barrels. The barrels have an average age of 20 years and give this Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé its distinctive style. Bollinger is proud of this unique technique, and today, they have 3,500 barrels in which this La Grande Année Rosé matures. Then it's time to release the bubbles, and for this, this Champagne undergoes a long cellar aging process with yeast and sugar. The bottles are aged for a full 84 months, creating soft bubbles known in the wine world as mousse.

The smell and taste of the Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé 2015

Yes, after this long period of craftsmanship, it's time to savor this spectacular piece. Pouring reveals a beautiful color—a red rose with pink glints. This color is achieved because this rosé is made with red La Côte aux Enfants, making it unique. Visually, we also perceive the soft and exquisite mousse that tantalizes our senses. Nosing the glass, we smell nuances of blackcurrant, beautiful citrus notes, fresh grains, and a touch of mint. On the palate, it's a true celebration; the soft mousse tickles our tongue, releasing flavors of strawberry, currant, and a touch of blackberry. Later, nuances of vanilla, citrus, and a touch of grapefruit grace the palate, rounding it all off. Whether you have something to celebrate, or perhaps nothing at all, with this La Grande Année Rosé 2015, it's always a celebration.