Bollinger
Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2008
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 60% Pinot Nero, 40% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Long ageing in the cellar on the lees (over 12 years, more than three times the legal minimum) and maturation with natural cork stoppers; released a few months after disgorgement to preserve freshness. |
- Vintage and style: 2008 vintage, Extra Brut style, 12.5% vol, 0.75 l bottle
- Grape variety and cru: 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 18 crus, of which 82% are Grand Cru
- Ageing: Over 12 years of maturation on the lees, barrel fermentation and manual riddling
- Aromas: Notes of quince, honey and toasted cocoa, followed by anise and nutmeg
- Tasting: Fleshy attack, precise mousse, lemon mineral finish, serve at 6-12 °C
Description
What kind of wine it is
Champagne Bollinger R.D. is created from a balanced blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its aromatic profile reveals intense notes of quince, honey and cocoa, followed by hints of anise and nutmeg. On the palate, it opens with a fleshy and broad character, enhanced by the Extra Brut dosage and a rich, precise mousse. The long-lasting flavour culminates in a clear mineral finish, enriched by elegant touches of lemon and the crispness of fresh hazelnut.
Where it comes from
This Champagne originates in Aÿ, at the heart of the renowned French wine region, through a rigorous selection of eighteen crus. The blend of terroirs is based on prestigious Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, highlighting the Pinot Noir from Aÿ and Verzenay alongside the Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. The grapes also come from the soils of Avenay, Tauxières and Louvois, a geographical variety that ensures the wine has marked structural complexity and profound savoury tension.
How it is produced
Production strictly follows the Traditional Method, with the first fermentation carried out entirely in barrels. The subsequent prise de mousse and the long ageing on the lees, which lasts for over twelve years, allow the development of deep tertiary aromas. The remuage and disgorgement stages are performed manually. The initials R.D. indicate a recent disgorgement, a practice that sees the wine released to the market just a few months after this operation to preserve a vibrant expressive freshness.
History and Curiosities
Created in 1967 by Madame Bollinger, the legendary cuvée R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé) refers to a wine that has been “recently disgorged”. The 2008 vintage enhances this vision through over 12 years of ageing on the lees, a period three times longer than the minimum required by regulations. Thanks to slow maturation under natural cork, the Champagne preserves a vibrant freshness combined with unparalleled complexity. A blend of 18 crus (82% Grand Cru), this Extra Brut offers a majestic experience, awarded 99/100.
Awards
-
2008
97/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2008
99/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2008
98/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2008
96/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2008
97/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
- Start up year: 1829
- Hectares: 160
This distinctive taste is the result of a particular affinity for the elegance of Pinot Noir, uncompromising excellence, an exceptional vineyard and artisanal expertise passed down with the utmost care since 1829. As Madame Bollinger, whose legendary vitality still permeates the estate today, would surely have suggested, Champagne Bollinger is above all about sharing powerful emotions among great wine lovers. Read more
| Name | Bollinger Champagne R.D. Extra Brut 2008 |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 60% Pinot Nero, 40% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Bollinger |
| Story | History and Curiosities Created in 1967 by Madame Bollinger, the legendary cuvée R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé) refers to a wine that has been "recently disgorged". The 2008 vintage enhances this vision through over 12 years of ageing on the lees, a period three times longer than the minimum required by regulations. Thanks to slow maturation under natural cork, the Champagne preserves a vibrant freshness combined with unparalleled complexity. A blend of 18 crus (82% Grand Cru), this Extra Brut offers a majestic experience, awarded 99/100. |
| Origin | Aÿ, Verzenay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avenay, Tauxières, Louvois (Champagne region, France) |
| Production technique | Traditional method (classic method) |
| Wine making | Traditional method (classic method): fermentation entirely in barrels; bottled with a cork for the second fermentation; manual remuage and disgorgement; long ageing on the lees (over 12 years) and maturation with natural corks; recently disgorged (R.D., typically October-November 2022). |
| Aging | Long ageing in the cellar on the lees (over 12 years, more than three times the legal minimum) and maturation with natural cork stoppers; released a few months after disgorgement to preserve freshness. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |