1996 R.D, Bollinger
(6x75cl)
| Product Code: | 36266196 |
| Description: | 1996 R.D, Bollinger |
| Case Size: | 6x75cl |
| Producer: | Bollinger |
| Region: | Champagne |
| Country: | France |
| Alc. By Vol.: | 12 |
Grape Varieties
| 72% | Pinot Noir |
| 28% | Chardonnay |
Food Matching Note:
A jaw dropping aperitif - particularly when paired with fine, adventurous canapes. Nothing comes close for that complete celebratory experience.
Tasting Note:
Remaining for a minimum of eight years on its lees, the R.D. acquires a greater aromatic complexity and length. On the other hand, the recent disgorging - the date of disgorging is inscribed on the back label - gives the wine an exceptional freshness. This wine is showing an incredible level of mature complexity, but braced with an attractive freshness which is the hallmark of the 1988 vintage.
Vinification Note:
Grapes only come from the grands crus and premiers crus from Champagne. The House estate covers two third of Bollinger's needs in grapes which guarantees the consistency and quality of its wines. 18 crus entered in the composition of the R.D. blend, with 58% grands crus and 42% premiers crus. R.D. is matured in Bollinger's cellars for a minimum of eight years under cork closure.
Detailed Vinification Note:
Grapes only come from the grands crus and premiers crus from Champagne. The House estate covers two third of Bollinger's needs in grapes which guarantees the consistency and quality of its wines. 18 crus entered in the composition of the R.D. blend, with 58% grands crus and 42% premiers crus. These were mainly from Aÿ, Verzenay, Louvois, Mesnil s/Oger, Oger and Cuis. The first fermentation was done in oak barrels. In good or exceptional years, a large proportion of Bollinger's wines are fermented in small oak barrels (205, 225 or 400 litres), lot by lot, cru by cru, variety by variety. Only old barrels are used, to ensure that neither tannin nor oak flavours are imparted to the wines. This technique increases both the aromatic complexity and the ageing capacity of such wines. The blend is mainly made up of Pinot Noir from grands crus and premiers crus, R.D. is matured in Bollinger's cellars for a minimum of eight years under cork closure. This ageing helps the aromas to develop fully and is done under a cork stopper ensuring, over four years, a better barrier again oxidisation than a crown-cap. This method, unusual in Champagne, helps the aromas to keep their bouquet and neatness. The recent disgorging - the date of disgorging is inscribed on the back label - guarantees its exceptional freshness. The dosage of R.D. is light in order to maintain the aromatic balance (3 to 4 grams of sugar per litre). The R.D. rests for at least three months in the cellars before shipment. This is the necessary time for the wine to assimilate the liqueur d'expédition and to fully recover for tasting.