Wines Champagne Bollinger - La Grande Année - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Bollinger's La Grande Année 2014 is a remarkable expression of Champagne, crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, hence its "blanc de noirs" designation. This vintage champagne reflects the house's traditional approach, with fermentation in oak barrels and a prolonged maturation on lees, which imparts depth and complexity. The 2014 vintage was marked by a generally cool, damp summer that ultimately gave way to a sunny September, resulting in concentrated, expressive fruit and a well-balanced acidity. Expect a wine with pronounced aromas of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, and toasted brioche, underpinned by subtle notes of almond and spice, and complemented by a persistent, creamy mousse.

The Champagne region, with its mosaic of chalk, marl, and limestone soils, offers an ideal terroir for Pinot Noir. The cool, northern climate ensures a slow ripening process, preserving freshness and finesse in the grapes. Champagne's winemaking heritage dates back centuries, and Bollinger stands as one of the most revered houses, renowned for its rich, vinous style and commitment to quality.

For pairing, La Grande Année 2014 thrives alongside refined cuisine. Its structure and intensity suit dishes such as roast chicken with morel mushrooms, veal in cream sauce, or turbot with beurre blanc. Traditional Champagne accompaniments like gougères or Comté cheese will also beautifully enhance its complexity. If you're after a regional match, a classic pâté en croûte or even delicate seafood dishes like scallop carpaccio can highlight the wine’s elegance and freshness.

To fully appreciate La Grande Année 2014, serve it at 10-12°C. Allow the wine some time in the glass, or even decant gently to release its bouquet and savour its fine bubbles and layered palate. Ideally, enjoy it from a tulip-shaped glass rather than a narrow flute to best showcase its aromatic complexity.