The Vieilles Vignes Françaises are intrinsically linked with 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. 2,477 numbered bottles of Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2013 were produced.

The wine has a deep golden colour. 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. An ample, powerful and lively taste. A hint of sea-air rounds off this generous and intense wine.