Bollinger (French pronunciation: [bɔlɛ̃ʒe]) is a Champagne house, a producer of sparkling wines from the Champagne region of France. They produce several labels of Champagne under the Bollinger name, including the vintage Vieilles Vignes Françaises, Grande Année and R.D. as well as the non-vintage Special Cuvée. Founded in 1829 in Aÿ by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger the house continues to be run by members of the Bollinger family. In Britain Bollinger Champagnes are affectionately known as “Bolly”. Special Cuvée (non-vintage): The Bollinger house style. This Champagne blend uses grapes from a given year, with the addition of reserve wines. Champagne author Tom Stevenson describes the house style as “classic, Pinot-dominated Champagnes of great potential longevity and complexity” which “tends to go toasty.” The blend includes up to 10% reserve wines, which may be up to fifteen years old. This gives the special cuvee complexity and structure. (Composition: 60% Pinot noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier.)
