Price £950.00 + FREE Mainland UK Delivery. ‘THE ETERNAL SOUL OF CHAMPAGNE’ Pinot Noir derived from two single plots adjacent to the House in Aÿ: non-grafted vines grown in the traditional en foule layering system and worked entirely by hand. Introduction: Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Francaises (VVF) continues the tradition of pre-Phylloxera viticulture and is produced from ungrafted vines in two walled vineyards. The vines are propagated by Marcottage (or Layering), where a small proportion of an aerial stem is trained under the soil and grows roots whilst attached to the parent plant before coming an independent plant in its own right. The vines produce extremely small yields,which enable the grapes to reach extraordinarily high maturity, sign of a fine wine. Vieilles Vignes Francaises will create an unforgettable memory for those privileged enough to taste the wines. The unique qualities of the Vieille Vignes Francaises further expresses the philosophy ofthe Bollinger House and wines. They are a memory and a symbol. Tasting Notes: To the eye: A deep golden colour. To the nose: Complex, lively and smooth. Intense aromas of quince jelly, mirabelle plum and dry fruits give way to subtle notes of mocha and toasted bread. On the palate: A very wide aromatic spectrum is expressed in a delectable, rich and precise palate. It has remarkable length, marked by a saline finish. Production: Blend: 100% Pinot Noir Grand cru (Blanc de Noirs). Exclusive use of the cuvée. Fermented entirely in aged barrels. At Bollinger, only the highest quality harvests become a vintage: in 2009, the Vieilles Vignes Françaises were harvested on 16 September and produced a superb Pinot Noir. Maturation: Cellar aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Sealed with a natural cork whilst ageing. Dosage: Low, 4 grams per liter. Food pairings: White caviar, Alba truffle. Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2009 can be paired with the finest dishes, but can also help create a special occasion on its own; wine connoisseurs will share it thoughtfully, enjoying the opportunity to try its rare unmatched flavours. To fully appreciate its unique style, bouquet and aromas, it is best to serve Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2009 between 10 and 12°C. You can enjoy Vieilles Vignes Françaises 2009 right away, or choose to age it further in your cellar. Background Information: In the early 20th century, the vines of Champagne were destroyed by phylloxera. In order to fight the devastating insect, all vines in Champagne had to be replanted using American rootstock. Everything, except two Bollinger plots in Aÿ classified as Grand cru which remained untouched: Chaudes Terres and Clos St Jacques. To this day, these two plots are grown the traditional way, following the ‘provignage’ method, worked by hand and even sometimes with the help of a horse. Bollinger Vieilles Vignes Françaises is a symbol of a bygone era: an extraordinary and moving legacy. A total of 2,420 numbered bottles of the 2009 Vieilles Vignes Françaises vintage were produced.