Champagne Bollinger Rosé NV

The warming cinnamon and nutmeg spice, coupled up with the vibrant energy of the red cherries, rose petals and wild strawberries make this rosé Champagne as close to a Moroccan rose garden at dusk, as it's possible to get. Just add a few wisps of shisha smoke, drifting over from the corner, where some elderly gentlemen ponder over a leisurely of chess, and you've pretty much conjured the tastes going on in this mesmeric, gentle and perfumed Champagne.

Athanase de Villermont was the youngest son of a noble family, who he inherited an extensive estate from his family in the Aÿ area. He immediately foresaw the extraordinary potential of the wines of Champagne, but as an aristocrat he was forbidden to become involved in trade. He then met Joseph Bollinger, a widely travelled German who had left his country of birth to learn about the Champagne wine trade, and Paul Renaudin, a local man who was fascinated by the world of wine. The firm of Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie was founded in February 1829. Joseph took care of sales and Paul of the cellar. Athanase had founded a champagne House that was to endure through the centuries.

In 1920 Jacques Bollinger, grandson son of Joseph, took over the helm of Bollinger but he died in the war, leaving his Scottish wife, Lilly Bollinger to take over. She threw herself heart and soul into her new role and, as well as being a charming, graceful woman, was a formidable strategist. She steered the House to great success and it remained in the family’s ownership until 2008, when it was taken over by Jérôme Philipon, originally from the Champagne region, who had led an impressive career with large industrial groups. The choice might be unexpected - but Bollinger has never hesitated to reject conformity for the good of the House and its wines. With him, the House has continued to preserve its traditional expertise while incorporating the best of new technologies for the future development of the brand, both in terms of quality and commercial growth.

The rosé is a blend of 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay and 14% Pinot Meunier and the grapes come from vineyards which are over 85% Grands and Premiers Crus. The wine is aged in the cellar for more than twice the time required by the appellation and receives a moderate dosage of between seven and eight grams per litre.

To the eye, Bollinger Rosé has bronze tones combined with the intense depth of a great red wine. The nose evokes the nobility of red berries, with hints of red currant, cherry, wild strawberry and a spicy touch, not unlike their Special Cuvée. The palate has a subtle combination of structure, length and vivacity, with a tannic finish due to the adjunction of red wine. The overarching flavours and of wild berries, with the richness that Bollinger is known for. It has gentle spicy notes and the bubbles are fine and velvety. Pair with crayfish or lobster.