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Kirjeldus

Bollinger shampanjadel on väga eriline ja eristuv stiil ning just Special Cuvee (nimi võeti kasutusele 1911. aastal, enne Non Vintage) on selle parim näide. Valmistamiseks kasutatakse 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay ja 15% Meunier viinamarju, mis pärinevad 30 erinevast viinamarjaaiast Marne’i departemangus, 80% “grands crus” ja “premiers crus” aedadest.

Veini valmistamiseks kasutatakse vaid esimese pressimise tulemust, teine press müüakse edasi. Kääritatakse veinivirre osaliselt 205, 225 ja 400 liitri suurustes vanades tammevaatides (välditakse tugevaid tamme nüansse ja tanniine) ja roostevaba terasest mahutites. Kõik eri viinamarjaaiad ja sordid kääritatakse eraldi. Põhiveinile lisatakse ka 5 – 15 % nn. “reserve” veine, mida on hoitud 1,5 liitri suurustes (magnum) pudelites 5 – 15 aastat Bollinger’i veinikeldrites (eri aiad, eri aastad, eri sordid hoitakse erinevates pudelites), võimaldades kasutada kogu piirkonnas unikaalset nn. “raamatukogu” süsteemi, kus veini lõplikku segu on võimalik täiendada, lisades konkreetse aastakäigu või viinamarjaaia omadusi.

Pärast esimest villimist hoitakse Special Cuvée’d veinikeldrites minimaalselt 3 aastat, kinnitatuna ajutiste “seenkorkidega”, selle aja jooksul on vein kontaktis pärmisettega ning tema aroom võimendub, areneb struktuur ja komplekssus. Järgnevad dégorgé – pärmisette prundi eemaldamine ja dosage – veinile lisatakse spetsiaalset liqueur’i, mis sisaldab väikest kogust naturaalsuhkrut, Special Cuvée puhul 7 – 9 grammi. Lõplik villimine, mil pudelid varustatakse püsivate “seenkorkidega” ja traatvõrestikuga. Lõpuks lastakse veinil veel 3 kuud pudelis küpseda, et suhkur saaks veiniga seguneda ja aroom ning maitse selgineda.

Special Cuvée stiili eripära ja võlu seisneb kõrges Pinot Noir osakaalus, mis annab veinile tema jõulise selgroo, rikkalikkuse ja maitsete sügavuse. Aroomilt kompleksne, unikaalse jõulise karakteriga, ideaalse maitse – aroomi tasakaaluga, väga unikaalse stiiliga. Maitselt eriti kuiv, täiusliku maitse ja küpse aroomiga: värske õun, maapähkel, kreeka pähkel, röstitud sai, kuivatatud eksootilised puuviljad, sidrun, mesi.

“60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier sourced from more than 300 crus, including 85% grands and premiers crus; 15% fermented in old oak barrels. The complexity and richness of Special Cuvée is unparalleled among the entry non-vintage blends of every Champagne house, short of ascending to the mesosphere of Krug.” Its grand recipe explains why, built on incredible depth of 50%-60% reserves. Triumphant complexity is a given at Bollinger, but it’s the dynamic freshness and vitality that really set it apart as one of the most affordable Champagne benchmarks.” Tyson Stelzer 96 points

“If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan on the nose and the palate give toastiness and leesy notes, specifically sourdough. It’s classic for a reason and would only elevate any table it finds itself on.” Decanter 95 points

“Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done.” James Suckling 93 points

“A rich though youthful golden hue, the NV Champagne Special Cuvée Brut is classic and ripe with lush, rounded, and complex aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, and black cherry. It’s full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel and just a hint of warmth on the finish. The mousse is refined and rounded. Long on the palate, it’s inviting now but will have plenty of life ahead of it if stored properly. This exceptional cuvée, with its distinctive personality, continues to be one of the best entry wines to the range from this house and is a benchmark wine for them.” Jeb Dunnuck 93 points

“Fine and seamless, with mouthwatering acidity well-meshed with a rich range of crème de cassis, poached apricot, gingerbread and almond extract flavors, plus accents of fleur de sel, Meyer lemon peel and star anise. Long and lively on the creamy finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.” Wine Spectator 93 points

“Restrained and very pretty aromas include those of yeast, Meyer lemon, petrol and green apple where the latter element is picked up by the utterly delicious, vibrant and detailed flavors that possess fine complexity on the agreeably dry but not austere finish. The supporting mousse is dense but fine and overall, this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for up to a decade. Excellent.” Burghound 93 points