# La Grande Année Brut (2014)

- **Producer:** Bollinger
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €115
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** grapefruit, peach, lemon, apple, apricot, pear, pastry, brioche, biscuit, butter, hazelnut, honey, ginger, almond

## About this wine

Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 is a vintage Champagne produced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, reflecting Bollinger's dedication to artisanal winemaking. The 2014 vintage, despite a challenging growing season, yielded a wine with notable freshness and tension. The house of Bollinger, established in 1829, has a long-standing family ownership and a philosophy centered on quality and tradition, with a particular emphasis on Pinot Noir. The Champagne region's chalky soils and climate are integral to the character of its wines.

## Interesting facts

- Bollinger owns over 80% of its vineyards, primarily in Grand and Premier Cru sites.
- La Grande Année is fermented entirely in oak barrels, using those around 20 years old.
- This wine is aged under natural cork for more than twice the required appellation time.
- The 2014 vintage was named 'Wine of the Year' by Jeb Dunnuck in 2022.

## Food pairing

The wine's racy acidity and fine structure cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, while its minerality complements the delicate flavors of seafood. The wine's intensity can stand up to richer dishes like duck, and its complexity harmonizes with earthy notes from mushrooms and truffles.

## Wine making process

Bollinger La Grande Année 2014 is produced using grapes from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards. The winemaking process involves fermentation entirely in oak barrels, utilizing barrels that are approximately 20 years old. This method allows for micro-oxygenation, which aids in developing the wine's structure and potential for aging. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes extended aging under natural cork, for more than double the standard appellation requirement. This extended period on lees contributes to the wine's complexity and texture. The 2014 vintage was influenced by a cool late summer, resulting in grapes with notable freshness and acidity.