Sparkling Wines Champagne Bollinger - B13 - 2013

Bollinger’s Cuvée B13 is an outstanding expression of Champagne, crafted from the challenging yet characterful 2013 vintage. This blanc de noirs comprises mainly Pinot Noir, with Bollinger’s hallmark depth and complexity. The house meticulously selected grapes from its famed grand and premier cru vineyards, all in the heart of Champagne, on chalky soils that confer elegance and minerality to the wine. The cool, late 2013 vintage demanded patience, resulting in grapes with heightened freshness. Vinification at Bollinger is traditional, with a significant proportion aged in old oak barrels, enhancing structure and subtle toasty notes. B13, as a special cuvée, is aged longer on lees to develop finesse, complexity and the house’s signature creamy texture, finishing as a Brut to balance richness and vibrancy.

The Champagne region, lying northeast of Paris, is defined by its cool continental climate and chalk-limestone soils that facilitate the slow, even ripening essential for top-quality sparkling wine. Historically, Champagne’s challenging weather shaped both viticultural practices and the very invention of sparkling wine. Bollinger, founded in 1829, is celebrated for its Pinot Noir-dominant style, resulting in robust, vinous Champagnes admired by connoisseurs worldwide.

This refined Cuvée B13 suits a variety of pairings. Its generous fruit, autolytic character and tension make it an excellent match for refined seafood such as oysters or scallops, yet the structure can easily accommodate poultry, especially dishes with truffle or mushrooms. Classic regional pairings include a creamy Chaource cheese, or, for a heartier option, Poulet de Bresse with morel sauce.

For the best tasting experience, serve B13 well chilled but not icy, ideally at 8-10°C. A tulip-shaped flute enhances both aroma and mousse. Allow the wine to open in the glass for several minutes to appreciate its evolving layers: crisp orchard fruit, brioche, roasted nuts, and a lingering mineral vibrance. This vintage Champagne can be enjoyed now for its tension and precision or cellared for a few more years to gain further complexity.