Bollinger PN AYC 18 Champagne
Since 1829, Champagne Bollinger has been making great wines with a powerful, refined and complex style. The Bollinger style is instantly recognised as such by connoisseurs, the fruit of rigorous methods and a respect for principles handed down from one generation to the next in a great tradition that has always valued experience above all. This style expresses the aromas of the fruit in all its dimensions. Bollinger wines release a creamy effervescence resulting from vinifying in oak barrels and prolonged contact with the yeasts. They guarantee a unique tasting experience that always offers something new.
Over the years, Bollinger has built its vineyards at the heart of the finest crus in Champagne. Champagne Bollinger’s 179 hectares of vines are made up of 85% Grand and Premier crus and are farmed by our teams of growers across 7 separate vineyards: Aÿ, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois and Verzenay for pinot noir, around the Montagne de Reims, Cuis for chardonnay on the Côte des Blancs and Champvoisy for meunier in the Vallée de la Marne.
The fourth edition of Bollinger PN, PN AYC 18 is a champagne with a distinct style that showcases the specificities of the Aÿ terroir, the principal cru in the blend, made predominantly from the 2018 base year. In Champagne, the 2018 vintage was characterised by abundant yields and an early harvest. Chalk moderated conditions in Grands Crus vineyards, resulting in particularly outstanding, very concentrated grapes with a natural average ripeness and powerful acidity.
Pinot Noir is one of the key pillars of the Bollinger style and the Maison has built its reputation by showcasing this variety. The PN cuvée is the result of research into the different styles of Pinot Noir and its different origins in Champagne. PN is a continuation of the Maison’s heritage and an affirmation of the legendary Bollinger style, while also being a wine that reinvents itself year after year. In this way, each new edition offers a new interpretation of Maison Bollinger’s vineyards and savoir-faire. 100% Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs), principally from Aÿ, blended with other villages, predominantly Tauxières and Verzenay. With 2018 as the base year and the oldest vintage 2009 this cuvée was aged in the cellars for twice as long as stipulated by the Appellation.
Golden in colour with bronze reflections the nose has notes of honey, fruit jellies , quince and candied citrus. Aromas of marzipan and blood orange complement a nose full of sweet spices and a refreshing hint of menthol. The palate is serious, understated and rich, beautifully expansive with a finish full of confit citrus which enhances the wine’s freshness. PN AYC18 is designed to be shared between wine enthusiasts looking for different expressions of Pinot Noir from Champagne. Bollinger recommend you serve PN AYC18 between 10 and 11°C to highlight its unique style and aromas. You can enjoy this wine right away or keep it in the cellar for further ageing.
PN AYC18 is a showpiece for the expansive dimensions, intoxicating allure and purity of Aÿ pinot noir; a wonderfully characterful blanc de noirs that celebrates the sumptuous fruit generosity of 2018 and the purity and precision of this fabled cru. Tyson Stelzer, 97 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - Non-Vintage
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12.5%