Lot presentation

PN AYC 18 Extra-Brut Bollinger

The wine

Bollinger, a legendary Champagne House founded in the early 19th century, presents its cuvée PN AYC 18. A very unusual name, which reveals that this is a Blanc de Noirs made from Pinot Noir grown on different terroirs in the Aÿ-Champagne Grand Cru. This vineyard lies close to the Montagne de Reims, itself reputed to be an ideal location for growing this noble grape variety.
To produce it, Bollinger left the malolactic fermentation to run its course and matured the wine over a particularly prolonged period - more than twice the time required by the appella’ion's specifications, which is more than 6 years - partly in wood. An ‘extra-brut’ dosage was subsequently added (between 0 and 6 grams of sugar per litre).
Tasting reveals a fine balance of maturity and natural noble acidity. The wine displays a yellow-bronze colour and a rich, complex bouquet. Hints of honey, candied citrus fruit, almond paste and sweet spices mingle with fruity aromas of apple and quince. The palate is deep and ample, with a lovely freshness and fine bubbles. This Champagne is sure to delight at the table.

About the Producer Bollinger

“Before being a great Champagne, Bollinger is first and foremost a great wine”. It is undeniable, a Bollinger spirit actually exists. In the wines certainly, but also in Aÿ. The involvement and seriousness of the people involved in the design of these great wines closely contribute to their success. Bollinger is also one of the few rare Champagne houses to have remained as a family since its creation in 1829 until 2008. Maison Bollinger was founded by Athanase de Villermont who had inherited the vineyard of Champagne, Joseph Bollinger, a German merchant and Paul Renaudin, a Champagne native passionate about wine. The Bollinger and Villermont families united their fate at the same time as their profession with Joseph Bollinger’s marriage to Louise-Charlotte, Athanase’s daughter. Their children would in turn take over the reins. In 2008, Jérôme Philipon assumed leadership of the house, becoming the first outsider to the Bollinger family entrusted with preserving its cherished traditions. Today, under the stewardship of Charles-Armand de Belenet, that legacy continues to flourish.
There is a 180-hectare vineyard located, for more than 85%, in grands and premiers crus, which provides the majority of the grapes its needs. In 2023, the house proudly earned its B Corp certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Among its vineyards are two historic parcels, untouched by phylloxera and cultivated using the age-old layering method of “marcottage”, which give rise to the rare and coveted Vieilles Vignes Françaises cuvée. One of the interesting facts about this maison is the preponderance of Pinot Noir which gives great flavour and strength to the champagnes. Another particularity of the maison is that part of the fermented reserve wines in wood is then conserved in magnums, with cork stoppers, for 7 to 15 years before being incorporated into the blend, helping to regulate the style and offer greater complexity.
The impressive range – from the iconic Special Cuvée and Côte des Enfants to the innovative R.D. – showcases Bollinger’s relentless pursuit of excellence and versatility in every bottle.