Returning to Verzenay
Pinot Noir is the key to the Bollinger style, the dominant variety in every wine in their range. Its potential for richness and generosity of fruit pairs well with Bollinger's commitment to barrel-ageing (they have their own in-house cooper) to provide the breadth and complexity found throughout the Bollinger range. Their PN releases explore the potential of Pinot Noir from cooler villages in Champagne, in part as an effort to safeguard against the effects of climate change. The last two releases were based on Tauxieres and Ay, but with their latest release, Bollinger have returned to where it all began: Verzenay.
Verzenay, a village not far from Reims, boasts northeast-facing slopes and chalk soils, ideal terroir in the heat of 2019, when Champagne saw record-breaking temperatures throughout the region. Verzenay makes up 40% of the blend, 15% from the 2019 vintage and 25% from reserve wines, aged in magnum, dating back to 2009. The balance is spread across a further 7 villages, including Ay, the home-village of Bollinger, which adds a kick of ripe fruit into the mix.
The result is undeniably impressive; heady aromas of apple pastries lead onto a vibrant palate where ripeness is tempered by crisp, precise structure and a saline, citrussy finish. 50% oak ageing softens the palate and adds complexity, and the dosage of 6g/l will help this wine age gracefully - although it is already so enjoyable that it will be a struggle not to dive in immediately! /JH
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available Autumn 2024
