Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2016

A timeless classic, the taste and soul of Champagne

This Pinot Noir originates from two unique Grand Cru parcels
of land in the grounds of the Maison Bollinger in Aÿ

The embodiment of two preserved plots

The Vieilles Vignes Françaises are intimately linked to the history of Champagne Bollinger. Ungrafted, they preserve an almost forgotten memory and act as an extraordinary and moving symbol of our heritage: Champagne before phylloxera. Chaudes Terres and Clos St Jacques, located in Aÿ, are the legendary parcels that constitute Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises. These two miraculous clos, classified Grands Crus, are planted «en foule» and cultivated using a traditional method called «provignage» or «layering».

When designing the identity for this new Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage, Champagne Bollinger focused on the authenticity of the two surviving plots. The design of the 2014 vintage is based on the traditional aspects of the cuvée and portrays the Maison’s exceptional historical heritage.

Assembly

A timeless classic, the taste and soul of Champagne

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2014 is an assembly of 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir, fermented entirely in aged oak barrels. It is composed solely of harvests from the two legendary clos located near to Maison Bollinger in Aÿ, Les Chaudes Terres and Le Clos St Jacques.

Dosage is low, 4 grams per litre. 1736 numbered bottles of Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2016 were produced. Each bottle is numbered and fully dressed by hand.

Sensations

The secret outcome from a year of contrasts

The 2016 vintage is the result of a very contrasting year: , marked by a succession of challenges and promises. After a mild and wet winter, the vine had to face a cold, rainy spring, punctuated by late frosts. Despite these demanding conditions, flowering took place under favorable circumstances, bringing renewed hope. The summer, hot, dry, and sunny, then allowed the grapes to develop harmoniously, concentrating both aromas and maturity. At harvest time, the berries showed a remarkable balance between freshness and richness, a promise of an elegant wine. The 2016 vintage of Vieilles Vignes Française reveals refined cuvée, expressing both the vine’s resilience and the winemaker’s expertise.

Appearance

Deep and radiant, golden yellow.

On the nose

A generous nose blending red and black fruits such as redcurrant and blackberry. After a little time in the glass the wine opens to reveal stone fruits—peach, apricot, and Mirabelle plum—with candied lemon and kumquat, which bring freshness and complexity

On the palate

Seductive on the palate, with a beautiful texture and very fine bubbles. It’s opulent and vinous, evolving into dried apricot and acacia honey. On first tasting it’s full of decadent pâtes de fruits and almond, followed by a bright squeeze of blood orange. The finish is long and expressive, with intense notes of dried fig, bringing richness and intensity.

Tasting recommendations

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2016 can be served alongside the finest dishes, yet tasting this wine on its own is enough to create an exceptional tasting experience and a momentous occasion for any wine enthusiast. To highlight its unique style, scents, and aromas, we recommend you serve this wine between 10 and 12°C. You can enjoy this wine now, or choose to age it in your cellar.