Bollinger Special Cuvée NV
Special Cuvée is the signature of the House of Bollinger, and is the object of the greatest care and attention. It is made from wines from the recent harvest but the majority of the blend is made up from reserve wines from previous years. It is a great wine and embodies all the unique processes that are practised at the house of Bolinger to ensures wines are mades of the highest quality.
The blend for the Special Cuvée is an ideal version of the classic Champagne blend, using the different grapes of a given year from a variety of 'crus', with the addition of older, reserve wines. This blend necessarily incorporates subtle variations each year whilst remaining consistent to a style. It is, therefore, the hardest of all Bollinger wines to make. It contains the full expression of the Bollinger style and the House feels it should be judged on this - its benchmark wine.
Special Cuvée is the signature of the House of Bollinger, and is the object of the greatest care and attention. It is made from wines from the recent harvest but the majority of the blend is made up from reserve wines from previous years. It is a great wine and embodies all the unique processes that are practised at the house of Bolinger to ensures wines are mades of the highest quality.
The blend for the Special Cuvée is an ideal version of the classic Champagne blend, using the different grapes of a given year from a variety of 'crus', with the addition of older, reserve wines. This blend necessarily incorporates subtle variations each year whilst remaining consistent to a style. It is, therefore, the hardest of all Bollinger wines to make. It contains the full expression of the Bollinger style and the House feels it should be judged on this - its benchmark wine.
Tasting Notes from Celtic Whiskey Shop and Wines on the Green | |
Nose | Beautiful aromatic complexity; ripe fruit and spicy aromas; hints of roasted apples, apple compote and peaches. |
Palate | A subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity; bubbles like velvet; pear, brioche and spicy aromas, notes of fresh walnut. |
Colour | A golden colour, distinctive of black grape varieties; very fine bubbles. |
Fact Sheet | |
Fluid | 75cl |
Grape Variety | 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier |
Alcohol % | 12% |
Estate/Producer | Bollinger |
Country | France |
Region/AOC | Champagne |
Vintage | NV |
Making Techniques | First fermentation in stainless steel vats |
Closure | Cork |
Cellaring/Ageing Potential | 4-5 Years: Freshness, fruit, spice 10 Years: Toasted aromas |
Serving Suggestion | |
Serving Suggestion | Lobster, crab, oysters, grilled fish, sushis, dried meat, pata |
Awards and/or Press Quotes | |
Falstaff | 92 Points |
Guide Hachette | 2 Stars 'Coup de Coeur' |
Wine & Spirits | 92 Points |
Decanter World Wine Awards | Awarded silver in 2014 |
Gilbert and Gaillard | 92 Points. ‘Pale gold. Delicate nose revealing fruit with subtle oak and toast scents in the background. Fleshy substance, freshness and wonderful balance between richness and exuberance on the palate. The finish imparts a faint toast tone.’ |
Mundus Vini | Awarded gold in 2012 |
Wine Enthusiast | 92 Points |
Wine Spectator | 93 Points |
James Suckling | 92 Points. ‘A Champagne in good form, the nose has a playful contradictory nature with complexity that comes from deep within the DNA cast against some very fresh notes - lime citrus, lime leaf, lemon, nectarine, white cherry and deeper more brambly red fruits, plus gentle spices and freshly roasted nuts, all here. The palate has supple, smooth and creamy texture with a flavoursome wrap of fleshy peach and white cherry flavour. Smooth, deep and round, acidity holds fresh right through to the fresh almond finish. Drink now or hold for up to five years.’ |