Bollinger La Grande Année 2015

Winery Background and History

Champagne Bollinger, founded in 1829 in Aÿ, is one of the most prestigious independent Champagne houses. Known for its Pinot Noir–driven style, extended lees aging, and barrel fermentation, Bollinger combines tradition, craftsmanship (they still maintain their own cooperage), and a deep archive of reserve wines. La Grande Année is their vintage prestige cuvée, only produced in exceptional years; the Gift Box edition is a presentation format highlighting its luxury status.

Producer and Wine Maker

La Grande Année 2015 is crafted by Bollinger’s in-house technical and blending team. All base wines are fermented in older oak barrels, undergo both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel, then the wine is aged on lees for over 7 years before disgorgement. Bottling under cork enables the secondary fermentation. The Gift Box or special formats do not change the vinification. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from 11 crus, mainly Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Aÿ, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, and Chardonnay from Chouilly, Avize. The region experienced a warm, dry growing season in 2015, with well-timed rains and cooler conditions at harvest helping preserve acidity even with ripeness. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is vinified 100 % in oak barrels (neutral/used barrels) for both alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. After barrel aging, it is bottled under cork for secondary fermentation and left on lees for ~7 years (far above required minimum), with dosage of 8 g/L. 

Tasting notes

Golden hue. On the nose: orchard fruit (pear, quince, Mirabelle plum), citrus peel, brioche, honey, subtle smoke and woodland tones. On the palate: generous and textured, with red and white fruit layers, saline minerality, refined mousse, and a long finish showing toast, nuts, and chalk. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with foie gras, lobster in butter sauces, scallops, roast poultry with mushrooms, white truffle dishes, grilled shellfish, smoked salmon, or mature cheeses. Also works well alone as a celebratory wine.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8-10 °C. Use a tulip or Champagne glass to preserve the delicate mousse and aromas. Do not decant—pour gently to help maintain effervescence.

Storage and Aging Potential

This is a wine built to age. In optimal cellar conditions (≈ 12–14 °C, stable humidity, darkness), it should continue evolving well over 20 to 25+ years, gaining tertiary complexity such as brioche, nut, dried fruit and forest floor tones.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

60 % Pinot Noir, 40 % Chardonnay 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5 % 

Scores

• 96 / 100 (Antonio Galloni, Vinous) 

• 96 / 100 (Wine Spectator) 

• 96 / 100 (James Suckling) 

• 96+ / 100 (William Kelley, Wine Advocate) 

• 96 / 100 (Sarah Mayo, The Wine Independent)