Limited Stocks. Price £85.00. In May 2012, Champagne Bollinger launched a new bottle shape, inspired by a nineteenth-century bottle rediscovered in the company’s cellars which dates back to 1846.   This brand new bottle design, unique in Champagne, while rooted in the company’s history, aims to express better still all the qualities of a great Champagne.   “The idea in using the curved shape of this old bottle was to aim for the perfect balance of a “small magnum” with curves more pleasing to the eye than those on the standard bottle. In addition to aesthetic reasons, using the shape of this new bottle, which is more like a magnum with a narrower neck and a wider base, should very slightly slow down the oxygen exchange and therefore give a better quality wine.” Mathieu Kauffmann, Cellar Master   The ratio (neck diameter/base diameter) of the 1846 bottle is closer to the standard magnum than that of the standard bottle.   Tasting Notes: Both distinctive and unique, Special Cuvee offers a simple and rare pleasure. Dazzling at the first encounter, consistently endearing when rediscovered. Tasting Special Cuvee is the proof of the power and finesse of Pinot Noir. A fine combination of palate weight and elegance, vinosity and length.   Depending on the vintage, 100% of Grand Crus and part of the Premier Crus are barrel fermented. Bollinger uses small tanks to conduct the fermentation of the other crus. Special Cuvee is a blend of wines coming from the most recent harvest, and also wines from previous harvests including reserve wines held in magnum.   Grape Variety: Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (25%) and Pinot Meunier (15%).   Technical Characteristics: ABV – 12% Dosage – Light. 7 – 9 g/l   Ageing: The wine matures over a minimum period of 3 years in the Cellar.   Pairing with food: Perfect chilled as an aperitif, or served with plain sushi, pata negra ham, lobster, scallops, grilled sea bass, quail, or cheeses such as Chaource or Brie.   Review: “You are either into Bolly or you’re not. It is rich, full, firm, imposing, masterful, heady, mouth-filling, intense, aromatic, weighty, serious and takes no prisoners. And, if you’re not into Bolly, you’re missing something. Of course, I realise the taste of wine is personal and purely subjective, but surely Bolly can transcend that – it is omnipotent after all!” Matthew Jukes, The Wine List 2007