La Grande Année Rosé is another expression of La Grande Année, enhanced by the addition of an iconic red wine from the Grand Cru vineyard, La Côte aux Enfants.

This legendary Aÿ plot is owned entirely by Champagne Bollinger, is only vinified into a red wine during years when the grapes reach optimum ripeness.

This unique expression of the 2018 vintage is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from 19 crus, with the fruit coming exclusively from Grand Crus and Premier Crus; predominantly Aÿ and Verzenay for the Pinot Noir, Chouilly and Avize for the Chardonnay. Vinification takes place in 100% small old oak barrels, aged under natural cork for 7 years on its lees and still riddled and disgorged by hand….no expense is spared!

The 2018 is a wonderful success. A vintage marked by an early and abundant harvest (first grapes picked by 23rd of August). A late budburst followed by a mild spring weather gave way to a hot, dry summer, resulting in a harvest in perfect sanitary condition. The chalk soils of Bollinger’s Grands and Premiers Cru vineyards regulated conditions, producing particularly excellent, concentrated and perfectly ripe Pinot noir.

Winemaking

Blend of the 2018 Vintage: 67% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay.
19 Crus: predominantly Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil sur Aÿ for Pinot Noir, and Chouilly and Cuis for Chardonnay.
5% red wine from the Côte aux Enfants. Made exclusively from the cuvée.
Fermented entirely in oak barrels.
Champagne Bollinger only produces vintage wines during the finest years. At Bollinger, the 2018 harvest led to the creation of a vibrant and elegant wine.
Ageing: Cellar aged under natural cork for twice as long as stipulated by the rules of the Appellation.
Dosage: Moderate, 7 grams per litre