Bollinger : B16 Extra Brut

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the B16 Extra Brut by Bollinger

Tasting

Color
The color reveals a shiny hue with fine, delicate golden reflections.

Nose
The bouquet unveils a delicate aromatic palette blending hawthorn floral notes and acacia honey, accompanied by aromas of white-fleshed fruits, bergamot and sweet almond. Nuances of ripe yellow fruits complete this refined olfactory expression.

Palate
On the palate, the B16 Extra Brut seduces with its silky, airy texture, revealing subtle elegance and perfect balance. The finish is distinguished by its remarkable persistence and finesse.

Food and Wine Pairings

This champagne pairs perfectly with a langoustine tartare with confit celery, lime, sesame oil and Thai basil. It also accompanies a steamed line-caught sea bass with dill, nori seaweed hollandaise sauce, lemongrass and white curry. For cheeses, it pairs ideally with an herb-crusted sheep’s-milk tomme served with cherry marmalade and white bread. For dessert, it elevates fresh raspberries in lime syrup with orange blossom and ginger.

A Champagne of Exceptional Purity from Bollinger

The Estate

Founded in 1829 by Jacques Joseph Bollinger, Athanase de Villermont and Paul Renaudin, the Maison Bollinger remains one of the last major family-owned and independent Champagne houses. Owned by the Bizot family under the leadership of Etienne Bizot, it cultivates a benchmark vineyard of which 85 % consists of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus. The house is distinguished by its traditional methods, notably oak barrel vinification and extended aging on lees, perpetuating an exceptional know-how passed down for nearly two centuries.

The Vineyard

The B16 Extra Brut comes exclusively from plots classified as Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, with particular attention paid to the late-ripening sites of the Montagne de Reims. These exceptional terroirs benefit from an exposure and geology especially favorable to the expression of Champagne grape varieties. The dosage of this Champagne Extra-brut is 4 g/L.

Vinification and Aging

The B16 Extra Brut benefits from barrel vinification. Bottled under cork, this champagne was aged for 7 years on lees, with manual riddling and disgorgement. This artisanal approach allows the development of aromatic complexity and the finesse of this exceptional champagne.

Grape Varieties

The blend is composed of 73 % Pinot Noir and 27 % Chardonnay, revealing the perfect balance between the power of Pinot Noir and the elegance of Chardonnay.