La Grande Année 2015 comes from a remarkable season - blazing hot sunshine moderated by well-timed showers and Bollinger’s expertise. Harvest began on September 4th and was of a very high quality. Notably compact bunches of small berries and quite high levels of acidity. La Grande Année 2015 is a blend of 11 crus, predominantly 60% of Pinot Noir from Verzenay, Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and 40% of Chardonnay from Chouilly and Avize. Fermentation takes place entirely in oak barrels and the wine is aged, sealed with a natural cork, for more than twice the time required by the appellation. Dosage is moderate, 8 grams per litre. La Grande Année is the very embodiment of an exceptional, timeless champagne. All Bollinger vintages, including La Grande Année, are riddled and disgorged entirely by hand, a process which takes place after the wine has long been aged on its lees, in bottles sealed with cork. These rigorous, artisanal techniques including in-house cooperage contribute to making La Grande Année a truly hand-crafted wine.