Bollinger La Grande Année 2018 is a vintage Champagne made from 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay, vinified entirely in oak barrels, with a moderate dosage of 6 g/L and sourced from 19 Grands and Premiers Crus.
Both La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé exhibit sensory and emotional qualities that echo the theme of the forest and the woodland realm, a realm which imparted structure and precision to both cuvées during the time they spent maturing in oak casks. Their savoir-faire fosters flavour development and provides ideal conditions for maturation.
La Grande Année 2018 is widely described as an exceptional, generous, and elegant vintage. It marks the beginning of a promising warm-year trilogy and carries emotional significance as the last vintage completed under former chef de cave Gilles Descôtes.
A blend of 66% Pinot Noir, mainly from Verzenay, Aÿ, Mareuil‑sur‑Aÿ, and 34% Chardonnay, from Chouilly and Cuis. 19 cru vineyards where used, exclusively Grands and Premiers Crus. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels and the wine is aged, sealed with a natural cork, for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Dosage is moderate, 6 grams per litre.
One the nose initial scents are full of small stone fruits, with notes of Pomme Gris, white peach, layered with a touch of honey. Aromas of breadcrumbs, acacia and notes of almond. Exotic touches of white peony.
On the palate the wine is structured and balanced with stewed fruit and quince sitting on a creamy and mellow effervescence. The finish is long and smooth.
