Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013

The eternal taste and soul of Champagne

This Pinot Noir originates from two unique Grand Cru parcels
of land in the grounds of the Maison Bollinger in Aÿ

The embodiment of two plots that miraculously survived phylloxera

Champagne Bollinger’s history. In the ungrafted vines, there is a memory that was almost lost: an extraordinary, moving reminder of our cultural heritage, of the Champagne region before phylloxera. Miraculously, two plots survived this outbreak, Chaudes Terres and Clos Saint-Jacques in Aÿ. Maison Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises are made exclusively from these legendary parcels. Both are classified as Grand Cru and are still grown in the old en foule way, using a traditional layering method known as provignage.

When designing the identity for this new Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage, Champagne Bollinger focused on the authenticity of the two surviving plots. The design of the 2013 vintage is based on the traditional aspects of the cuvée and portrays the Maison’s exceptional historical heritage.

Assembly

The eternal taste and soul of Champagne

Vieille Vignes Françaises 2013 is an assembly of 100% Grand Cru Pinot Noir, fermented entirely in aged oak barrels. It is composed solely of harvests from the two legendary clos located near to Maison Bollinger in Aÿ, Les Chaudes Terres and Le Clos St Jacques.

Dosage is moderate, 6 grams per litre. 2,477 numbered bottles of Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 were produced.

Sensations

The secret outcome from a year of contrasts

The 2013 viticultural year saw a succession of unusual climate conditions: a rainy spring combined with a hot summer with the strongest sunshine ever recorded in Champagne. Despite these significant constraints, Les Chaudes Terres and Le Clos St Jacques were harvested on 27 September 2013 and offered grapes of a peerless quality, giving rise to an intense and fresh Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage.

To the eye

The wine has a deep golden colour.

To the nose

Aromas of quince jam, mirabelle plum and fresh hazelnut are layered with candied lemon peel and sweet spices. A succession of notes follow, from stone fruits to nuts, such as almonds, and finish on aromas of tonka bean.

On the palate

An ample, powerful and lively taste. A hint of sea-air rounds off this generous and intense wine.

Tasting recommendations

Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 can be paired with the finest dishes, but also offers an exceptional tasting experience by itself. Connoisseurs recognise that tasting this wine is a rare and sought-after affair. To fully appreciate its unique style, bouquet and aromas, this wine is best served between 10 and 12°C. You can enjoy Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 now, or choose to age it in your cellar.

Scores

99 /100

Great elegance, great nuance, endless length, a monument. This is only just hitting its stride.

Anne Krebiehl
97 /100

There are always moments of total drinking magic when opening a new vintage of this world-famous wine. The vintage's purity and fresh acidity shine through more than usual.

Richard Juhlin