Bollinger B13: Ultimate Prestige Champagne Guide

Enter the realm of luxury champagne with Bollinger’s B13, a vintage champagne that epitomizes elegance. This prestige cuvée embodies the pinnacle of Bollinger’s centuries-long winemaking legacy. The B13, symbolizing ‘Bollinger 2013’, is a rare Blanc de Noirs. It captures the quintessence of Pinot Noir from the esteemed Äy terroir.

Bollinger’s dedication to excellence is evident in every B13 bottle. This exceptional vintage champagne presents a unique fusion of freshness and precision. It establishes a new benchmark in the realm of prestige cuvées. The distinctive logotype on the bottle, cleverly combining the letter ‘B’ and number ’13’, hints at the craftsmanship within.

Key Takeaways

• B13 is a limited edition Blanc de Noirs from the 2013 vintage
• Composed of 100% Pinot Noir, predominantly from Äy
• Showcases Bollinger’s commitment to quality and tradition
• Features a unique logotype combining ‘B’ and ’13’
• Characterized by freshness and precision
• Sets a new standard in prestige cuvées

The Legacy of Maison Bollinger

Bollinger’s illustrious Champagne heritage spans over 190 years, nestled in the picturesque village of Aÿ. This esteemed house has woven a legacy that harmoniously blends tradition with innovation. It has earned a distinguished place among the world’s elite Champagne producers.

Origins in the 1700s

The Bollinger saga began in the 1700s with the De Villermont family’s arrival in Aÿ. This marked the inception of a Champagne dynasty that would profoundly influence the region’s trajectory. The family’s profound connection to the land established the cornerstone of Bollinger’s unwavering commitment to quality and terroir.

The De Villermont Family Connection

In 1829, a transformative event in Bollinger’s history unfolded. Athanase Louis Emmanuel Hennequin, Comte de Villermont, merged with Paul Renaudin and Jacques Joseph Bollinger. This alliance gave birth to Champagne Bollinger-Renaudin, heralding a new era of excellence.

Royal Warrant and Historical Recognition

Bollinger’s reputation for unparalleled Champagne soon resonated with royalty. In 1884, Queen Victoria bestowed upon Bollinger a royal warrant, acknowledging it as an official supplier to the British court. This honor cemented Bollinger’s esteemed position within the Champagne realm.

Understanding Bollinger B13

Bollinger B13 stands as a testament to the 2013 vintage’s excellence. This Blanc de Noirs exemplifies Bollinger’s expertise in Pinot Noir. It showcases their commitment to capturing the essence of each harvest.

The 2013 Vintage Story

The 2013 vintage in Champagne was marked by adverse weather, resulting in a late harvest. Bollinger, undeterred, produced a wine of outstanding quality. B13 is aged for seven years on lees, with a meticulous process of hand-riddling and disgorging. It is characterized by a 6 g/L dosage, achieving a harmonious balance.

100% Pinot Noir Excellence

B13 is a quintessential representation of Pinot Noir. It is predominantly sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in Äy, Verzenay, Louvois, Avenay, and Mareuil. This blend results in a Champagne that is both powerful and refined, garnering critical acclaim. Wine Spectator awarded it 93 points, while Wine Enthusiast bestowed an impressive 95.

Äy Terroir Influence

The Äy terroir significantly influences B13’s distinct character. This historic village, Bollinger’s ancestral home, is renowned for its structured Pinot Noir. The exclusive La Côte aux Enfants vineyard, owned by Bollinger, adds to B13’s unique profile.

Bollinger’s Unique Production Methods

Bollinger distinguishes itself in the champagne realm through its adherence to traditional methods and artisanal champagne production. The house’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in each phase of their winemaking journey.

Last Remaining In-House Cooperage

Bollinger is the sole champagne house to maintain an in-house cooperage. A master cooper manages 3,000 oak barrels, some over 60 years old. This control over barrel quality ensures the finest oak for their wines.

Traditional Oak Barrel Fermentation

Oak barrel fermentation is central to Bollinger’s winemaking ethos. All vintage wines undergo 100% barrel fermentation for both alcoholic and malolactic processes. This approach adds depth and complexity, distinguishing Bollinger from those using stainless steel tanks.

Hand-Riddling Process

The hand-riddling process, essential for Bollinger’s vintage wines, is both labor-intensive and meticulous. It involves gradually turning and tilting bottles to collect sediment in the neck. This is followed by hand-disgorging, a practice unique to Bollinger among large champagne houses.

These distinctive production methods are key to Bollinger’s esteemed reputation for quality and unique character in the champagne industry.

Vineyard Heritage and Terroir

Bollinger vineyards sprawl across 178 hectares in Champagne’s heart. The estate’s commitment to quality is evident in its land allocation. An impressive 85% of Bollinger’s vineyards hold Grand Cru and Premier Cru status. This dedication to excellence underpins their exceptional Champagnes.

Pinot Noir dominates Bollinger’s vineyards, covering 100 hectares. This reflects the house’s profound commitment to this noble grape. Key vineyards across Champagne contribute unique characteristics to the final blend.

The diverse Champagne terroir is pivotal in Bollinger’s wines. Ay, Avenay, and Tauxières yield distinctive Pinot Noir. Cuis provides elegant Chardonnay, while Champvoisy offers robust Meunier. This variety of soils and microclimates enriches Bollinger’s cuvées with depth and complexity.

Bollinger’s vineyard heritage and unique terroir are the bedrock of their prestigious Champagnes. This blend of tradition and terroir crafts wines that embody the essence of Champagne. It solidifies Bollinger’s status among the region’s elite producers.

The Art of Bollinger Winemaking

Bollinger’s winemaking process exemplifies their unwavering dedication to excellence. Spanning over 190 years, this esteemed Champagne house has refined its craft. They create wines that perfectly capture the essence of the Champagne region’s terroir.

Pinot Noir Dominance

Pinot Noir is the cornerstone of Bollinger’s winemaking philosophy. The B13, a Blanc de Noirs, highlights this grape’s significance, being composed entirely of Pinot Noir. Originating from five crus, with 92% hailing from Grand Cru vineyards, B13 embodies Bollinger’s commitment to quality.

Reserve Wines in Magnums

Bollinger’s approach to reserve wines distinguishes them. These wines are aged in magnums, a meticulous process that enriches their non-vintage cuvées’ complexity. This method facilitates slow, elegant aging, amplifying the wine’s depth and character.

Extended Aging Process

Extended maturation is pivotal to Bollinger’s distinctive style. The B13, for example, underwent seven years of aging on lees. This prolonged aging in historic cellars exceeds A.O.C. standards, yielding wines of unparalleled quality, delicacy, and velvety texture.

Tasting Profile and Character

Bollinger’s B13 Blanc de Noirs Brut exemplifies the Champagne House’s expertise in creating exceptional wines. This 100% Pinot Noir blend is a testament to Bollinger’s skill, garnering high acclaim from wine critics.

Aroma Complexity

The B13 is renowned for its rich champagne aromatics. Its nose is a symphony of fragrances, including ripe fruit, fruit jelly, almond paste, mirabelle plum, and vine peach. This complexity showcases Bollinger’s mastery in crafting multi-layered sensory experiences.

Palate Structure

The B13’s palate structure is refined. It presents an expressive fruit profile with notes of pear, fresh almonds, and tarte Tatin. Citrus and candied lemon add brightness, while a velvety texture and beautiful length enhance the tasting experience. The 6 g/l dosage balances the wine perfectly.

Aging Potential

The B13’s ageability is impressive. Aged for over 7 years on lees, it develops depth and nuance over time. The refreshing salinity in the finish suggests potential for further evolution. This Blanc de Noirs sets a new benchmark for Bollinger’s prestige cuvées, rivaling their renowned Vieilles Vignes Françaises.

Prestigious Bollinger Collections

Bollinger cuvées epitomize the zenith of champagne artistry. Spanning over 190 years, Bollinger has refined its expertise in Aÿ, Champagne. Its dedication to excellence is evident in its iconic collections.

The Special Cuvée is Bollinger’s flagship. This non-vintage blend exemplifies the house’s signature, blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Its intricate flavor and consistent quality have earned it a loyal following among champagne aficionados.

La Grande Année, Bollinger’s vintage champagne, is crafted only in the most exceptional years. This cuvée captures the essence of its harvest year, offering a rare glimpse into Champagne’s dynamic terroir.

The pinnacle of Bollinger’s collection is the Vieilles Vignes Françaises. This rare champagne originates from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines that survived the phylloxera crisis. Its limited production and historical significance make it a coveted treasure among collectors.

Bollinger also offers the R.D. (Recently Disgorged) champagne, renowned for its prolonged aging. The PN series showcases Pinot Noir from various terroirs. For those who appreciate red wines, La Côte aux Enfants presents a rare still red from Champagne.

Food Pairing and Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate Bollinger B13, focus on the serving temperature, food pairings, and glassware. These factors amplify the Champagne’s distinct qualities, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.

Ideal Temperature

Serve Bollinger B13 between 46-50°F (8-10°C) for the best experience. This temperature range highlights the Champagne’s complex aromas and flavors, preserving its refreshing essence.

Complementary Dishes

Bollinger B13’s robust character makes it versatile for food pairings. It pairs exceptionally well with seafood, such as shellfish and white fish. Consider pairing it with:

• Grilled lobster
• Oysters on the half shell
• Pan-seared scallops
• Roasted chicken
• Mushroom risotto

For a delightful contrast, serve B13 with light desserts like lemon tart or fresh berries.

Glassware Selection

Selecting the right champagne glasses is crucial for an enhanced tasting experience. Tulip-shaped flutes are perfect for Bollinger B13. These glasses focus aromas, improving the overall sensory experience.

Conclusion

Bollinger excellence is evident in every detail of their champagne production. Spanning over 190 years, this esteemed house has perfected the art of luxury champagne. The B13 stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality.

Their dedication to excellence is seen in sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking. Bollinger’s portfolio, featuring the Special Cuvée and La Grande Année, highlights their expertise. The R.D. 2008, with its 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, showcases their mastery, earning high praise from critics.

For those interested in champagne investment, Bollinger presents an attractive option. Their limited production and global acclaim, including their association with James Bond films, make their champagnes highly coveted. Premium offerings can reach up to 1,300,00 kr, offering a unique chance for collectors and enthusiasts.

Bollinger’s relentless pursuit of excellence, blending tradition with innovation, solidifies its status as a luxury champagne icon. Whether savored on a special occasion or added to a collection, Bollinger champagnes guarantee an unparalleled experience of refinement and prestige.