Bollinger La Grande Année 2014

66% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, from 16 vineyards of which 88% are Grand Cru and 12% Premier Cru. Fermentation in barrel. Prolonged aging on lees, moderate dosage of between 7 and 8 grams per liter. James Bond only drinks Bollinger. And it seems that he is doing well. What is it that makes Bollinger one of the best and most personal Champagnes? Interestingly, the Maison Bollinger (read /bolanllé/) is an outlier in many ways. Firstly, it is one of the few Maison de Champagne not based in the cities of Reims or Epernay, and has remained true to its location in the small village of Ay since 1829. Secondly, Bollinger is one of the few Maison de Champagne in whose coupage Pinot Noir (a red variety) dominates instead of Chardonnay. The third differentiating feature has to do with the origin of the grapes, which, over time, will become one of the most exciting Champagnes available to the Champagne lover. And it is that, unlike the vast majority of large houses, at Bollinger they are very clear that it is necessary to control the vineyards through ownership.