Pinot Noir, a fresh interpretation of the Bollinger style A predominant grape across the range, Pinot Noir is the pillar of the Bollinger style, and the House has forged its reputation by showcasing this variety. Bollinger PN embodies the ambition to bring to light the variety of expressions of Pinot Noir by selecting the finest varietal from several terroirs, each contributing a unique component to the overall taste. Second edition of the Bollinger PN collection, PN VZ16 champagne is a blend with a unique taste, showcasing the distinctive features of wines from the Verzenay terroir, which make up the majority of the blend. The significant proportion of Verzenay in this edition’s blend expresses the characteristics of the Pinot Noir from this terroir : depth, elegance and tension. Pinot Noir from other villages – Avenay and Tauxières – were added and act in aromatic synergy to bring further complexity to the blend. 2016 was particularly favourable to Pinots Noirs form the Montagne de Reims, in particular at the Verzenay vineyard. The grapes’ natural maturity was 10.6 degrees there, whereas the average in Champagne settled at 9.8, thus giving the wine generosity and delicacy. The reserve wines contribute to the wine’s exceptional aromatic intensity, especially the Pinots Noirs aged in magnums for almost 10 years. Tasting Notes: In the glass, this VZ16 edition opens with fruity notes of apple, rhubarb, quince and mirabelle plum. The rich, complex nose then develops towards hazelnut aromas. On the palate, a wonderful creamy effervescence yields to a delectable and expressive quality. Exotic flavours, with brioche and hints of stewed fruit, precede a saline finish. A unique expression for each edition The taste of Pinot Noir and the terroir-driven approach are the two common characteristics of the Bollinger PN cuvée. PN VZ16 offers a fresh vision of Bollinger’s savoir-faire and vineyards. Each edition will feature a different cru from the base year, carefully selected by Champagne Bollinger, so that each new version will be an elegant reinvention of the original cuvée. Production Blend of the VZ16 edition: 100% Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs). Main origin: Verzenay. Other villages: Avenay, Tauxières Base wine: 2016. Oldest reserve wine: 2006 Exclusive use of the cuvée. Maturation: Cellar aged for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Dosage: Moderate, 6 grams per litre. Pairings Tomato tartlet Risotto of Champagne lentils Veal sweetbreads with chestnuts Langres cheese. Serving: PN VZ16 is a wine to be enjoyed by enthusiasts interested in the expression of Pinot Noir from across the Champagne region. To fully appreciate its unique style and aromas, PN VZ16 is best served between 8 and 10°C. You can enjoy PN VZ16 now or leave it in the cellar to develop further.