Champagne Bollinger: A House of Exception

Founded in 1829 in Aÿ, at the heart of the Champagne region, the Bollinger house has embodied the excellence and elegance of French champagne for nearly two centuries. Created by Athanase de Villermont, Paul Renaudin, and Jacques Bollinger, this family-owned house has navigated the ages while staying true to its values of authenticity, quality, and innovation.

A Story of Family and Tradition

Since its inception, Bollinger has been led by generations of the Bollinger family, including the renowned Lily Bollinger, who took over the reins of the company in 1941. Lily became an iconic figure of the house thanks to her charisma and her famous quote about the occasions to drink champagne, concluding that it is indispensable "in victory, [and] necessary in defeat." Her dedication helped establish Bollinger's international reputation.

An Exacting Production Process

What sets Bollinger apart from other champagne houses is its commitment to meticulous winemaking and an inimitable taste. The house primarily favors the Pinot Noir grape, which forms the majority of its blends. The wines are aged in chalky cellars for a period far exceeding the standards of the Champagne appellation, ensuring complex aromas and a creamy texture.

Bollinger also stands out for its unique method of preserving some reserve wines in magnums sealed with natural cork, a rare process that preserves the wines' aromatic richness. The use of oak barrels for part of the fermentation process adds subtle notes and remarkable structure to their champagnes.

A Timeless Reputation

The Bollinger house is a symbol of prestige, cherished by champagne enthusiasts worldwide. It earned the title of "Official Supplier to the British Royal Court" in 1884, an honor that continues to this day. Furthermore, Bollinger has become a character in its own right in popular culture thanks to James Bond: the famous secret agent enjoys its cuvées, notably in the film Live and Let Die.

A Delightful Anecdote

In 2010, during renovations in the cellars, Bollinger discovered a forgotten treasure: 600 bottles dating back to the 19th century. These bottles, witnesses to ancestral craftsmanship, remind us of the importance of heritage and time in the making of Bollinger champagnes.

By combining tradition and innovation, Bollinger continues to dazzle lovers of fine bubbles and refinement, solidifying its status as a living legend of Champagne.