In the heart of Champagne, in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, lies the Bollinger champagne house, which has stood for unmistakable quality and excellent craftsmanshipsince its foundation on 6 February 1829. It was founded by the German emigrant Joseph-Jacob Bollinger from Württemberg, Admiral Comte de Villermont and Paul Renaudin. What began back then with a modest ten hectares of vineyards has, under the family’s leadership, developed into one of the world’s most renowned champagne houses. To this day, Bollinger is run by family members and is one of the few major houses to have retained its family ownership.
The
international breakthrough came as early as the 19th century: in 1884
Queen Victoria appointed Bollinger as purveyor to the British
royal family – a connection that continues to this day. One of the most influential figures was Madame Lily Bollinger, who took over the house following her husband’s death in 1941. With foresight and entrepreneurial skill, she doubled turnover, acquired first-class vineyards and became a legend in the world of champagne. Her unforgettable saying – “I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad” – is a testament to her personality, which was as rebellious as it was elegant.
At the heart of the house are its approximately 180 hectares of estate vineyards, 85 per cent of which are situated in Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. At 60 per cent, Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety, lending the champagnes their unmistakable power, richness and complexity.
A particular highlight are the two vineyards, Clos Saint-Jacques and
Chaudes Terres, which have never been affected by phylloxera and from which
the exclusive Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Françaises is produced.
In the cellar, Bollinger relies on traditional craftsmanship: around 80 per cent of the wines are vinified in old oak barrels, a technique that lends the champagnes depth and structure. The bottles mature on the lees for at least three years
– twice as long as required by law. This
distinctive profile also made Bollinger the first choice of James
Bond – further proof of the regal status of this exceptional champagne.
