PRODUCTION
Blend of the 2008 vintage: 71% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay. 18 crus: mainly
Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant for the
Chardonnay.
Exclusive use of the cuvée.
Fermented entirely in aged oak barrels.
At Bollinger, only very high quality harvests become a vintage: in 2008, the
remarkable maturity of the grapes combined with a phenomenal acidity have
produced a wine of infinite depth and allowed an exceptional vintage to be created.
Maturation: Sealed with a natural cork and cellar aged for more than twice the
time required by the Appellation.
Dosage: Moderate, 8 grams per litre.
Vinified exclusively in barrels.
Riddled and disgorged by hand.
SENSATIONS
To the eye: The delicate colour and golden hues are a sign of the wine’s maturity
and reflective of Bollinger’s wine-making methods.
To the nose: A wonderful aromatic depth. The wine’s fruity, spicy and floral notes
intertwine to reveal a highly complex nose; wild peach, plum and orange peel
precede saffron and tonka bean, complemented by a fresh, mineral aspect.
On the palate: Dense and harmonious in the mouth. A creamy effervescence
and fresh structure, with a gentle saline finish.
PAIRINGS
Cured ham.
Seared scallops or scallops tartare. Grilled lobster.
Chicken in a light creamy sauce.
OUR ADVICE
La Grande Année 2008 is the perfect champagne for gourmet food. To fully
appreciate its unique style and aromas, La Grande Année 2008 is best served
between 8 and 10°C. You can enjoy La Grande Année 2008 now or choose to
age it in your cellar.
HISTORY
La Grande Année is the embodiment of the carefully preserved traditional
expertise of the Bollinger Champagne House. The wine is therefore exclusively
vinified in small aged oak barrels. Champagne Bollinger has never abandoned
this traditional craft method, which helps develop aromas of great finesse. After
a prolonged ageing on its lees, even today every bottle of La Grande Année is
riddled and disgorged by hand.
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