# Bollinger R.D. 2008 (2008)

- **Producer:** Bollinger
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €379
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, peach, lemon, apple, pear, pastry, brioche, biscuit, butter, hazelnut, honey, dried apricot, almond

## About this wine

Bollinger R.D. 2008 is a prestige cuvée from Champagne, France. The 'R.D.' designation highlights its extended aging on lees followed by a late disgorgement, a method championed by Madame Bollinger to balance complexity with freshness. The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Bollinger, a family-owned house since 1829, is known for its traditional winemaking, including barrel fermentation and extended lees aging. The 2008 vintage is recognized for its balanced weather conditions, contributing to the wine's structure and quality.

## Interesting facts

- R.D. stands for 'Récemment Dégorgé' – recently disgorged.
- The 2008 R.D. was aged in Bollinger's signature '1846' bottle shape.
- Bollinger is one of the few Champagne houses still family-owned.
- This wine is a limited production release.

## Food pairing

The wine's high acidity and mineral complexity cut through richer textures and fats, while its depth and savory notes complement proteins and earthy flavors. The subtle nutty undertones can echo ingredients like hazelnuts or aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Bollinger R.D. 2008 is produced using traditional Champagne methods. The grapes undergo both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation entirely in oak barrels. Following fermentation, the wine is aged on its lees for an extended period of 13 to 14 years. The 'R.D.' designation signifies that the wine was disgorged late, just prior to release, preserving its freshness. For this vintage, Bollinger utilized its signature '1846' bottle shape, designed to influence the aging process. The house supports sustainable wine growing practices.