{"product_id":"champagne-extra-brut-r-d-2008-bollinger","title":"Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChampagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eméthode champenoise\u003c\/em\u003e (i.e., secondary fermentation in the bottle), which delivers unparalleled complexity and finesse.\nThe 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.\n\n\u003ch3\u003eVintage Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\nThe 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.\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWinemaking and Aging\u003c\/h3\u003e\nChampagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger is produced with a predominant base of \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e, accompanied by a smaller proportion of \u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e from top-tier crus. Fermentation takes place in small French oak barrels, a rare practice in Champagne, which imparts structure and aromatic depth.\nThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eExtra Brut\u003c\/strong\u003e style, to purely enhance the character of the vintage and the savoir-faire of the house.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eColor\u003c\/h3\u003e\nIn 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.\n\n\u003ch3\u003eNose\u003c\/h3\u003e\nThe 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.\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePalate\u003c\/h3\u003e\nOn 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.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFood Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger\u003c\/h2\u003e\nThis Champagne lends itself to a wide variety of culinary pairings, suitable for both refined dishes and simple yet flavorful preparations.\nIdeal pairings include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaw seafood, oysters, and caviar, to enhance its freshness and minerality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaked fish or fish in a salt crust, to highlight its structure and aromatic complexity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelicate white meats or dishes based on mushrooms and truffles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAged cheeses, such as Comté or Parmigiano Reggiano, which create a perfect balance between savoriness and softness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nA glass of Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger is also splendid on its own, as a meditation wine or for a special toast.\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage and Aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger\u003c\/h2\u003e\nTo best preserve the characteristics of this extraordinary Champagne, proper storage is essential.\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e keep the bottle between 10 and 12°C (50-54°F), avoiding sudden temperature changes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e protect the wine from direct light sources, especially strong artificial lights and sunlight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains in contact with the wine and maintains a perfect seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nIf carefully stored, Champagne Extra Brut 'R.D.' 2008 - Bollinger can evolve further for many years, developing even more complex and refined aromas, a perfect expression of the art and patience that distinguish the Bollinger house.","brand":"Bollinger","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52414899126611,"sku":"C07-B034-2008-05A_D000","price":423.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/2603\/6307\/files\/champagne-extra-brut-r-d-2008-bollinger.jpg?v=1764409506","url":"https:\/\/www.astemyo.com\/en\/products\/champagne-extra-brut-r-d-2008-bollinger","provider":"Astemyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}