Viniou Reviews
Bollinger's Special Cuvée 2015 is an exceptional Blanc de Noirs Champagne, representing the art of pure Pinot Noir expression. Crafted from mainly Pinot Noir grapes sourced from selected Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, this 2015 vintage highlights the house style: complexity, structure, and depth. The 2015 season in Champagne was marked by a warm, dry summer followed by an optimal harvest, resulting in grapes with excellent ripeness and balance. Bollinger employs traditional vinification methods, favoring a high proportion of reserve wines, some aged in magnum under cork, while fermentation and aging take place partially in old oak barrels, enhancing the wine’s creamy texture, subtle oxidative notes, and signature toasty richness. The result is a Champagne with fine, persistent bubbles, generous aromas of ripe orchard fruits, baked apple, brioche, roasted nuts, and a hint of spice on the finish.
Regionally, Champagne is renowned for its cool continental climate, which, combined with the region’s unique chalky subsoil, creates ideal conditions for sparkling wine production. The underlying chalk acts as a natural reservoir, providing a steady supply of moisture to the vines and contributing to the finesse and pronounced minerality typical of great Champagnes. Bollinger, based in Aÿ, is one of the region’s historical estates, founded in 1829, with deep ties to the traditional vinification methods that shape its distinctive, full-bodied style. Over the centuries, the region’s dedication to quality and innovation has made Champagne a standard-bearer for sparkling wines worldwide.
Given the richness and structure of this Special Cuvée Blanc de Noirs, pairing it with food goes far beyond simple aperitif. The wine’s depth and savory character complement dishes such as roast poultry with morel mushrooms, duck breast with spiced orange sauce, or classic French pâtés and terrines. For a regional touch, try it alongside Champagne's own chaource cheese or a delicate dish like pike quenelles with a creamy sauce. Its acidity and fine bubbles also provide an excellent counterpoint to lightly fried seafood, such as tempura or oysters.
For the best tasting experience, serve Bollinger Special Cuvée 2015 well-chilled, ideally at 10-12°C. This temperature allows the layers of fruit, toast, and minerality to unfold beautifully in the glass, while preserving the wine’s vibrant effervescence and freshness. Enjoy in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the complex aromas and enhance the finish.
