Who makes it
Reserve wines are central to Bollinger's Special Cuvée, the house's cuvée without a vintage. The range also includes wines under the R.D. and La Grande Année names. Special Cuvée therefore draws on cellar holdings from more than one harvest, while the dated bottles remain tied to a single year. The magnum format contributes complexity and consistency to the blend.
Where it grows
Champagne's appellation rules set a minimum cellar ageing period for its sparkling wines. Special Cuvée stays in the cellar for twice that minimum. Lees are spent yeast cells. Keeping a sparkling wine on them can build a creamier texture and savoury, breadlike aromas over time.
What they make
Special Cuvée is made from 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier. Pinot Noir supplies body and red fruit. Chardonnay brings acidity and citrus, while Meunier gives softer fruit. The wine has a golden colour distinctive of black grape varieties and very fine bubbles.
R.D. 2008 is a vintage wine. It has golden reflections, an aromatic profile and a vivacious palate. La Grande Année 2015 is a vintage wine with yellow gold reflections, evidence of maturity, layered aromas, a textured palate and a finish shaped by its ageing approach.