# La Grande Année Brut (2015)

- **Producer:** Bollinger
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €225
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, pear, orange, brioche, biscuit, hazelnut, honey, orange marmalade, almond, caramel, hazelnut

## About this wine

Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2015 is a prestige cuvée from the Champagne region of France, produced by Bollinger. It is a vintage wine, crafted only in exceptional years. The blend is composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, sourced from a selection of crus, with a significant proportion from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Bollinger is known for its traditional winemaking methods, including vinification in oak barrels and extended aging on lees, which contribute to the distinctive character of its wines. The 2015 vintage was marked by challenging climatic conditions, leading to a later harvest to ensure phenolic ripeness.

## Interesting facts

- La Grande Année is only produced in years deemed exceptional by Bollinger.
- Fermented entirely in small, aged oak barrels, a Bollinger tradition.
- Aged for a minimum of seven years on its lees, far exceeding appellation rules.
- Bottles are sealed with natural cork and disgorged by hand.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and richness can stand up to richer dishes, while its acidity cuts through fatty elements. The savory maturity and nutty notes complement charcuterie and aged cheeses, and the wine's complexity can match the intensity of seafood and poultry.

## Wine making process

Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2015 is produced using traditional methods. The grapes are fermented entirely in small, aged oak barrels, a technique that contributes to the wine's texture and complexity without imparting strong oak characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extended aging period on its lees for at least seven years, significantly longer than required by Champagne appellation rules. This process allows for the development of fine bubbles and integrated flavors. The harvest for the 2015 vintage was delayed to ensure phenolic ripeness due to challenging weather conditions. Bottles are sealed with natural cork and disgorged by hand.