BOLLINGER

The history of Maison Bollinger

In Ay, one of the historic villages in the heart of France's Champagne region, lies Maison Bollinger, founded in 1829 by Athanase Louis Emmanuel, Count of Villermont, who chose to go into partnership with German Joseph Bollinger and wine enthusiast Paul Ranaudin. Over the years, after successfully establishing his sparkling wines, especially in the British and American markets, it was Joseph Bollinger who became the symbol of the Maison.

Today, universally recognised for the high quality of its wines, the winery has been established internationally for years, thanks to the privileged location of its vineyards and its strict production ethics, which are even enshrined in written principles.

To give an example of the strict rules followed by the company, suffice it to say that only the must from the first pressing is used for the production of Champagne, while all that obtained from the second pressing is sold to other wineries.

Currently, the maison has over 160 hectares of vineyards, most of which are divided between the Reims mountains and the Ay area.

Bollinger Champagnes: only Grand Cru and Premier Cru

More than half of the vineyards are classified as Grand Cru, with the remainder classified as Premier Cru. They are cultivated with meticulous care, ensuring that the vines grow in full respect of the environment and ecosystem.

In addition to Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, it is above all Pinot Noir that is the grape variety around which the maison's blends revolve. By skilfully using the grapes of this variety, it manages to give its Champagnes richness, vinosity and roundness.

From the Brut “Special Cuvée” to the Extra Brut “R.D.”, from Rosé to vintage Champagnes, in the historic ageing cellars, consisting of kilometres of tunnels, all Bollinger-labelled Champagnes mature for three to eight years, much longer than required by the regulations, ensuring the perfect development of aromas and always expressing the maximum possible balance. Discover the best of Bollinger among our wines online!