Bollinger Brut Spécial cuvée

Bollinger

Comments from the house

Bollinger has long been one of the greatest Champagne houses. The pursuit of perfection only allows for vintage cuvées to be made in exceptional years, hence its name: La Grande Année. This house in Aÿ is characterized by wines full of finesse and elegance; it is not surprising that James Bond himself makes it his champagne of choice.

History of the house

It all began on February 6, 1829, when Athanase de Villermont, with the help of Joseph Bollinger, a German, and Paul Renaudin, a true native of Champagne, decided to establish a Champagne house that would stand the test of time: Renaudin-Bollinger & Co. In 1837, Joseph Bollinger married Athanase's daughter. Their two sons consequently took over the estate, expanding both its size and reputation. In 1920, George's son found himself at the helm of the house at just 24 years old. His bravery and fluency in English allowed him to introduce this Champagne vintage to the English market.
The young Scottish woman, Elizabeth Law, married Jacques Bollinger in 1923, intertwining her fate with that of the Bollinger house. When she lost her husband during the war, she was 42 and didn't hesitate to take over the management of the estate. With her natural cheerfulness and audacity, she took Bollinger with her as she travelled the globe to promote her fabulous champagne. She also didn't hesitate to create a very original cuvée: Bollinger R.D. This cuvée is simply a "Grande Année" with extended aging in the cellar (from 8 to 25 years) and a late disgorging (the disgorging date is indicated on the label).

Madame Bollinger managed to prepare for the future by training the most suitable family members to take over. It's Claude Hautefeuille, the husband of her niece, whom she teaches the workings of the house. Then it's Christian Bizot, her nephew, who takes over and, like his aunt, meets with restaurateurs and other wine merchants to introduce the famous bubbles.
Ghislain de Montgolfier, the great-grandson of Joseph Bollinger himself, took over the house in 1994. His scientific rigor is matched only by his enthusiasm, and he brings the Bollinger house to its peak. This tireless worker was also elected in 2007 as the head of the Union of Champagne Houses council and co-president of the Champagne Wine Interprofessional Committee.