The Bollinger B16 Extra Brut is a limited-edition vintage champagne released by the house of Bollinger to capture the unique and contrasting character of the 2016 vintage.
As the third release in Bollinger's "By Bollinger" series, following the B03 and B13 editions, this champagne is a testament to the producer's skill in navigating challenging weather conditions to create an exceptional and original wine.
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was defined by extremes, with a cold, wet spring and late frosts giving way to a hot and sunny summer. These conditions presented a formidable challenge to winemakers but ultimately yielded grapes with a distinctive aromatic profile. The resulting B16 is an elegant and ethereal expression, highlighting the late-ripening terroirs of the Montagne de Reims and showcasing a delicate balance of freshness and aromatic complexity.
This extra-brut champagne, with its low dosage, is known for its purity and refined character. Aged for seven years on its lees, the B16 is a collector's item for enthusiasts seeking to experience Bollinger's masterful craftsmanship and the unique narrative of the 2016 vintage in a bottle.
As the third release in Bollinger's "By Bollinger" series, following the B03 and B13 editions, this champagne is a testament to the producer's skill in navigating challenging weather conditions to create an exceptional and original wine.
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was defined by extremes, with a cold, wet spring and late frosts giving way to a hot and sunny summer. These conditions presented a formidable challenge to winemakers but ultimately yielded grapes with a distinctive aromatic profile. The resulting B16 is an elegant and ethereal expression, highlighting the late-ripening terroirs of the Montagne de Reims and showcasing a delicate balance of freshness and aromatic complexity.
This extra-brut champagne, with its low dosage, is known for its purity and refined character. Aged for seven years on its lees, the B16 is a collector's item for enthusiasts seeking to experience Bollinger's masterful craftsmanship and the unique narrative of the 2016 vintage in a bottle.
Tasting notes and Food pairing suggestions
On the nose, it offers an intricate bouquet of delicate floral notes like hawthorn and acacia honey, layered with lively accents of ripe stone fruits, bergamot, and sweet almond. Its flavor profile is defined by a silky, ethereal texture that is perfectly balanced and culminates in a long, delicate finish. The extra-brut dosage (4 g/L) ensures the wine's purity and refined character shine through. This bold and complex cuvée can be paired with equally refined and complementary dishes to highlight its qualities. Recommended food pairings include scampi with candied celery, lime, and Thai basil, steamed sea bass with dill and white curry, herb-crusted sheep's cheese with cherry jam, and even desserts like fresh raspberries with lime syrup and orange blossom.