Do you love champagne? Have you experienced a glass of Bollinger Champagne? If not, you must experience how fabulous it is. The splendid aroma will certainly entice you, but after a sip or three, you will be a fan. Bollinger Champagne is much more than a tasty bubbly. It also comes with interesting cultural roots and history. Below are 10 things to know about Bollinger Champagne that will have you exclaiming “Cheers!”

1. The Origin of Champagne

Champagne is a type of wine made in the historical region of Champagne, a province of France. A Benedictine priest, Dom Perignon, was making wine and couldn’t free it of bubbles, so he decided to taste his creation. He then exclaimed, “Come quickly! I am drinking the stars!” Thus, a legend was born (maybe not verified but certainly believed to this day) and champagne was found on this day in 1693.

In the beginning, because these bottles of champagne would randomly explode, it was nicknamed by early French high society as “le vin du diable,” or “the devil’s wine.” I am sure this created quite an allure as well!

2. A Fateful Partnership

In 1829, Athanase de Villermont — a naval officer and son of a nobleman — saw the potential of the wine in Champagne. However, he was forbidden to involve himself in trade due to being an aristocrat. That’s when he met Joseph Bollinger and Paul Remaudin, men who were both fascinated by champagne. Together, they started a business – “a champagne trading firm engaging in the purchase and sale of Champagne wines”. Athanase founded the champagne house, Joseph took care of sales and Paul tended to the wine cellar.

3. The Madame’s Reign

In 1923, Elisabeth Bollinger (known as Lily) married Jacques Bollinger, House representative and grandson of the company’s founder, Joseph. Madame Bollinger, as she was called, lost her husband at 42-years-old and took over the House reins. She was a formidable businesswoman and strategist and took the Bollinger House to a new level when she became president of the company. Many reports told of her surveying her territory by riding through the vineyards on her bicycle. She was eager to be innovative and was known for tolerating nothing but excellence.

I drink champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it — unless I’m thirsty.

– Lily Bollinger

4. A Useful Friendship

From the very start, Bollinger Champagne placed a high priority on exportation. In 1858, Joseph Bollinger met with a wine shipper in London, Ludwig Mentzendorff, to discuss trade opportunities. Because of that strong friendship, the champagne brand is now a British favorite. In fact, Bollinger Champagne House was awarded royal warrants in 1884 and 1885 by Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales.

5. Control Over Quality

Due to limited space, many in the champagne business resort to buying grapes from growers. Bollinger’s vineyards, however, cover 178 hectares — more than half a square mile — most of which are classified as Grand or Premier cru, aka the cream of the crop. They have greater control over the grapes they use, allowing them to maintain the Bollinger’s stellar reputation.

6. A Storage Solution

Champagne, like other types of wine, must be aged. As time passes, this drink will lose its fizz and gain more complex flavors. This allows the taster to decide when to open a bottle based on the taste preferred. Most champagne, when left unopened, can be stored for three to four years. Once opened, you only have two or three days to finish enjoying the bottle (with a proper stopper to maintain the bubbles).

5StarTip🌟:  Purchase a Champagne stopper that is designed for a champagne bottle that seals tightly to maintain the integrity of the bubbles.

7. A Three-Year Process

After primary fermentation, casks of wine at Bollinger are taken down to the cellar to age. Here they stay for at least three years, with vintage selections sitting longer. During this period, the wine develops fizzy bubbles, enticing aromas, and a smooth texture. Each year, the best of the best get added to the House’s collection, which currently holds over 700,000 reserve magnums.

Bollinger Champagne presently can be found in stores in more than 100 countries around the globe.

8. A New Type of Cocktail

Are you looking for a cocktail with a touch of class? Mix in Bollinger Champagne. One great recipe is the Stoli-Bolli — also referred to as the AbFab cocktail — based on an episode of the TV show Absolutely Fabulous. Pull out your favorite cocktail glass and add one ounce of a nice vodka. Then, fill the rest with Bollinger champagne. If you want to channel your inner “Absolutely Fabulous” self, garnish with fresh fruit like strawberries.

9. The Perfect Pairing

There is nothing like pairing great wine with amazing food. What culinary delights pair best with Bollinger champagne? It depends entirely on your tastes. For you, the ideal mix might include popcorn and a movie. Perhaps you’d prefer a steak dinner with a side of potatoes? According to the experts, you can’t go wrong pairing champagne with lobster, duck, salmon, scallops or other entrees. On the flip-side, you might want to avoid dark chocolate, tomatoes, and asparagus.

10. An Inspired Creation

You don’t always have to drink Bollinger Champagne. Why not incorporate the rich flavor into delicious cupcakes? This dessert is super easy to make, starting with a white cake mix. Instead of adding water, mix in champagne. Once baked and cooled, coat the cupcakes in the homemade frosting made with butter, powdered sugar and a splash of fizz.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Bollinger Champagne, not only is this champagne superb, but there’s a rich history as well. The House boasts a historic and powerful partnership with a later reign of a strong businesswoman. Today, this champagne can be found in more than 100 countries, all due to this friendship that started in 1858. Plus, this sparkling delight is perfect for whipping up a fun cocktail or adding to delicious cupcakes. Cheers to the fantastic Bollinger Champagne and its wonderful legacy!

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