Bollinger PN AYC 18 is made exclusively from Pinot Noir (PN) with the majority of the grapes coming from estate owned vineyards in the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, based on the superb 2018 vintage.
Dennis Bunner, Bollinger’s Chef de Cave, explains: ‘2018 was a wonderful year for me, at the level of 2008! Warmer, yes – it was very early and we commenced harvest on 24 August – but we had perfect sunny conditions and perfect balance between sugar and acidity. Like 2008, we had very cool nights, which is the key for making great wines in Champagne’
Aÿ is one of the rare 17 villages to be classified as Grand Cru in the Champagne region. The vineyards are situated at the heart of three important areas: the Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne. 50% reserve wines, including 25% aged in magnums of 2009 Aÿ, are then added to bring a sense of aromatic harmony and further complexity to the blend.
Bollinger are famed for their Pinot Noir so there is little surprise that its signature rich and open style shines through. The wonderful smoky, nutty and caramel tones imparted by Bollinger’s distinct foudre ageing (50% of the wines are fermented in oak barrels) are already present and the reserve wines add to its exceptional aromatic intensity.