Flowering was late, but, unusually, consistent among the grape varieties, with the heart of the flowering between June 25 and 27. Above average long hours of sunshine, combined with the effects of Bollinger’s green harvest, led to a relatively early harvest, beginning on September 20. The average yield was 11,000 kg per hectare.

Ø Grande Année 1995

 Grape were harvested exclusively from Champagne’s grands and premiers cru vineyards. 17 crus were used in the assemblage (blend) of Grande Année 1995, 82% from grands crus and 18% from premiers crus. These were mainly from the villages of Aÿ, Bouzy, Louvois, Verzenay, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Mesnil s/Oger, Oger, Cuis, Cramant and Chouilly.

The blend of Grande Année 1995 is composed of:                                    

63% Pinot Noir

37% Chardonnay

Ø Vinification of Grande Année 1995

 Grande Année 1995 was produced exclusively from the cuvée (first grape pressing).

The first fermentation took place in small oak casks (205, 225 and 410 litres), lot by lot, cru by cru, grape variety by grape variety. This allows Bollinger to use a very strict selection process. Bollinger only uses old casks (5 years old or older) to ensure that neither tannin nor oak flavors are imparted to the wines. This method increases both the aromatic complexity and the ageing capacity of great wines.

Ø Grande Année 1995 aged in the cellars under natural cork

 The wines were bottled for second fermentation and ageing using real cork stoppers, which ensure a better barrier against oxidation than crown caps, and then aged in our cellars.  Using cork stoppers,  quite rare in Champagne today, guarantees freshness and allows aromas to fully develop their bouquet.

After disgorgement by hand, Grande Année 1995 rested for a minimum of three months prior to  shipment. This is the necessary time for the wine to assimilate the liqueur d’expédition (dosage) and recover from the shock of disgorgement. 

Special Cuvée NV                               R.D. 1990                                  Grande Année 1995