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Bollinger, Francaises Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes 2013
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Description
Champagne Bollinger is a renowned winery located in the Champagne region of France. Established in 1829, it is known for producing high-quality Champagne using traditional methods. Francaises Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes is a prestigious Champagne made exclusively from old vine Pinot Noir grapes sourced from premier vineyards in France. This rare and limited cuvée showcases the depth and complexity that comes from the mature vines, offering a rich and full-bodied expression of Blanc de Noirs. With aromas of red fruits, toasted nuts, and a hint of spice, this Champagne exudes elegance and sophistication. The fine bubbles and long, lingering finish add to its luxurious character, making Francaises Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes a sought-after choice for those who appreciate the finest Champagne.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: William Kelley
A brilliant wine, Bollinger's 2013 Blanc de Noirs Vieilles Vignes Françaises is finer boned and more elegant than the powerhouse 2008, but it is still one of the most powerful, intensely flavored wines produced in the region. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of golden orchard fruit, honeycomb, baking spices, orange oil and ripe stone fruits, it's full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a layered core of fruit girdled by racy acids. Concentrated and vinous, it concludes with a long, saline finish.
About the Producer
Established in the commune of Aÿ-Champagne in 1829, the House of Bollinger is home to an impressive legacy of winemaking excellence, achieved through the polished precision of a finely tuned timepiece. Today, the Bollinger Champagne House reigns over 440 acres dedicated to the vine in the Champagne region of northern France, of which an impressive 85% is classified Grand Cru or Premier Cru. The vineyards are spread out over 7 main communes. Pinot Noir is planted in Ay (the headquarters of the House), as well as Avenay, Verzenay, Louvois and Tauxieres. Meanwhile, the House’s Chardonnay comes from Cuis, while Pinot Meunier is planted in Champvoisy. A complex and powerful grape, Pinot Noir represents 60% of the total plantings, which corresponds to the exact proportion of this grape variety in the blend of the House’s signature Special Cuvee. The two crown gems of the House are its twin plots, the Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres, where ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines are tended to by hand, their fruit used to produce the very exclusive and rare Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises cuvee.
