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Regular price
€423,50
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Vintage:
2008
Denomination:
Champagne
Grape variety:
pinot noir, chardonnay
Origin:
France, Champagne
Alcohol:
12%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
10°
When to drink:
Dinner, Special occasions, Meditation
Type:
Champagne
Taste:
deep and vibrant, with a balance of freshness, minerality, and toasted notes
Flavorings:
hazelnut, honey, citrus, bread crust, spices
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger?
Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger is one of the most iconic labels from the historic Bollinger house, a symbol of French oenological elegance and precision. Hailing from Ay, in the heart of Champagne, this wine is the result of an artisanal and tradition-respecting approach, based on the méthode champenoise (i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle), which delivers unparalleled complexity and finesse. The acronym "R.D.," meaning "Récemment Dégorgé" (recently disgorged), expresses the core of the Bollinger project: to offer a wine evolved through long contact with the lees, yet at the same time incredibly fresh due to a recent disgorgement.Vintage Details
The 2008 vintage is considered one of the best in Champagne in recent decades. After a cool spring and a summer characterized by moderate temperatures, the harvest yielded perfectly ripe, balanced grapes with lively acidity. This natural balance allowed for an extremely harmonious Champagne, capable of combining tension, elegance, and long-aging potential.Winemaking and Aging
Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger is produced with a predominant base of Pinot Noir, accompanied by a smaller proportion of Chardonnay from top-tier crus. Fermentation takes place in small French oak barrels, a rare practice in Champagne, which imparts structure and aromatic depth. The wine ages on its lees for over ten years, an extraordinarily long period that enriches the bouquet and gustatory complexity. Disgorgement (the removal of the lees at the end of aging) is carried out only at the time of release, thus preserving all the freshness and vibrancy of the wine. The dosage is minimal, in an Extra Brut style, to purely enhance the character of the vintage and the savoir-faire of the house.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents an intense and luminous golden color, enriched by minute, persistent, and regular bubbles, a sign of long lees aging and impeccable sparkling quality.Nose
The aroma is broad and refined: notes of dried fruit, toasted almond and hazelnut emerge, followed by nuances of ripe citrus, honey, sweet spices, and freshly baked bread. With oxygenation, complex hints of truffle, dried flowers, and a slight mineral impression open up.Palate
On the palate, it is intense, creamy, and perfectly balanced. The bubbles are fine and enveloping, while the persistence is long and subtle, with a finish of citrus and hazelnut notes. It is a sip of great balance between freshness and depth, fully reflecting Bollinger's excellence.Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger
This Champagne lends itself to a wide variety of culinary pairings, suitable for both refined dishes and simple yet flavorful preparations. Ideal pairings include:- Raw seafood, oysters, and caviar, to enhance its freshness and minerality.
- Baked fish or fish in a salt crust, to highlight its structure and aromatic complexity.
- Delicate white meats or dishes based on mushrooms and truffles.
- Aged cheeses, such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano, which create a perfect balance between savoriness and softness.
Storage and Aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger
To best preserve the characteristics of this extraordinary Champagne, proper storage is essential.- Temperature: keep the bottle between 10 and 12°C (50-54°F), avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: protect the wine from direct light sources, especially strong artificial lights and sunlight.
- Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains a perfect seal.
Bollinger
The History of Bollinger Winery Bollinger is a name that resonates with tradition and prestige in the world of French wine. Founded in 1829 in the renowned Champagne region, the Bollinger winery has a history rooted in an illustrious legacy of passion and innovation. For almost two centuries, Bol...
How to Best Open and Serve Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne, ensure the bottle has been stored horizontally, away from light and heat sources. Approximately 24 hours before serving, place it in a vertical position to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom. This simple step guarantees greater clarity and perfect effervescence development.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal serving temperature for Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne is between 10°C and 12°C. Avoid temperatures that are too low, which could inhibit aromas and complexity, but also too high, which would accentuate alcoholic notes. An ice bucket with equal parts ice and water is the best method to reach the ideal temperature in approximately 30 minutes.
3. Opening the Bottle
Opening a mature cuvée like Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne requires delicacy:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage without removing it completely.
- Hold the cork with one hand and slowly twist the base of the bottle with the other, keeping it tilted at about 45°.
- Let the cork open with a gentle sigh, avoiding a “pop”: this way you will preserve the effervescence and the finesse of the perlage.
4. Inspection and First Tasting
After opening, observe the color and vibrancy of the bubbles. Pour a small amount into the glass and taste to check for perfect wine evolution. Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne reveals complex aromas of evolved yeasts, candied citrus, hazelnut, and spices, distinguishing marks of its long maturation on lees.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
Although rare for a Champagne, decanting can be useful to enhance the aromatic richness of this cuvée. Pour the wine slowly into a wide carafe, avoiding sudden movements. Allow it to oxygenate for 10–15 minutes before serving: this operation allows the wine to “open up” its noblest nuances, amplifying balance and depth.
6. Serving
Use large flutes or white wine glasses to enhance the aromatic complexity of Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne. Pour a small amount at a time, keeping the bottle tilted. Accompany the service with elegant and substantial dishes, such as shellfish, white meats, or aged cheeses: the wine's structure and freshness will find perfect harmony.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with an airtight Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator. It is advisable to consume it within 24–36 hours to maintain the mousse and the gustatory integrity of Bollinger 'R.D.' 2008 Extra Brut Champagne.
