Viniou Reviews
The Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut is a quintessential expression of Champagne’s craftsmanship, hailing from one of the region’s most esteemed houses. As a non-vintage blend, it skillfully combines multiple years’ harvests to create a consistent house style. This blanc de noirs is composed exclusively of black grape varietals, primarily Pinot Noir, with a smaller portion of Pinot Meunier, which lends the wine depth, structure, and a pronounced character. Crafted using the traditional méthode champenoise, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by extended lees aging. This process imparts rich brioche, toasted almond, and delicate yeast notes, alongside crisp apple, ripe pear, and hints of dried fruit.
Champagne is situated in northeastern France, with a cool continental climate marked by cold winters and mild summers. The region’s chalky soils, especially prevalent in Bollinger’s preferred vineyards around Aÿ and the Montagne de Reims, provide excellent drainage and impart a subtle mineral quality to the wines. With viticulture dating back to Roman times, and a reputation for excellence established over several centuries, Champagne remains the standard-bearer for sparkling wines worldwide. Bollinger itself is renowned for its devotion to Pinot Noir and its commitment to traditional methods, producing robust, full-bodied Champagnes.
For food pairings, Bollinger Special Cuvée’s depth makes it remarkably versatile. Its richness and fine bubbles enhance classic aperitif fare such as gougères (cheese puffs) or smoked salmon canapés. The wine’s structure allows it to shine alongside roasted poultry, especially duck with cherries, or classic French dishes like blanquette de veau. On the cheese board, try it with mature Comté or aged Gruyère. For a more luxurious touch, pair with seared scallops or lobster in a light butter sauce.
To best appreciate the complexity and finesse, serve this Champagne well-chilled but not ice cold, ideally between 10-12°C. This temperature will allow the delicate aromas and flavors to fully express themselves while preserving the wine’s refreshing vibrancy.
