There are seldom few who are not familiar with the Champagne house, Bollinger. Firmly positioned as a Grande Marques, Bollinger dates back to 1829, when Jacques Bollinger and Paul Renaudin began creating these exquisite and highly traditional wines. The house flourished under the leadership of Madame Lily Bollinger, who often rode her bicycle around the vineyard and was known for remarking when asked about her 1955 Vintage, “I drink it when I’m happy, and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.”

Now, her great-nephew, Ghislain de Montgolfier is at the helm. Fermentation takes place in used oak barrels and extended ageing sur lies last between 6 and 9 years prior to disgorging. Doseage is low to ensure balance and finesse, with many wines being riddled by hand, including the simply stunning Grande Annee.