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Bollinger

Bollinger is a prestigious family-owned house based in Aÿ, France, renowned for producing complex, full-bodied sparkling wines that emphasize and traditional techniques such as oak barrel and extended aging on lees. Founded in 1829, it remains one of the few independent producers in the region, controlling around 180 hectares of vineyards—primarily and Premier Cru sites—and sourcing the rest from like-minded growers to craft cuvées like the Special Cuvée and Grande Année, which are celebrated for their depth, elegance, and longevity. The house's distinctive style, marked by a higher proportion of (up to 60% in non-vintage blends) and the use of reserve wines stored in magnums, sets it apart in the luxury market. Established on February 6, 1829, by French aristocrat Athanase de Villermont, merchant Joseph Bollinger, and vintner Paul Renaudin, Bollinger originated from an estate in Aÿ and quickly built a reputation for quality amid the region's emerging prestige. The house endured significant trials, including the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, which necessitated replanting vineyards with resistant rootstocks, and the devastation of World Wars I and II, during which its cellars served as a refuge. Leadership passed through generations of the Bollinger family, with notable figures including Georges Bollinger, who steered recovery after World War I, and Elisabeth "Lily" Bollinger, who managed the estate from 1941 to 1971, safeguarding it during Nazi occupation and spearheading global expansion, including key partnerships in the United States. Today, it is overseen by Charles-Armand de Belenet, continuing a legacy of family stewardship. Bollinger's production philosophy prioritizes quality and , vinifying base wines in over 4,000 barrels—a practice shared by only one other house—and aging them two to three times longer than rules require, resulting in wines with rich, vinous character. Among its innovations is the Vieilles Vignes Françaises, a rare from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines in two clos parcels, Clos Saint-Jacques and Clos Chaudes-Terres, yielding intensely mineral expressions. The house also maintains a vast library of reserve wines, including more than 1 million magnums dating back to 1890, and in 2010 discovered a sealed cellar containing 600 additional magnums from as early as 1830. Committed to , Bollinger earned High Environmental Value certification in 2012, B Corp certification in 2023, and targets carbon neutrality by 2029. A hallmark of Bollinger's global fame is its enduring partnership with the franchise, beginning in Ian Fleming's 1956 novel Diamonds Are Forever and extending to films starting with Live and Let Die in , where it became the spy's preferred . Formalized in 1979 through an informal agreement between producer Cubby Broccoli and Bollinger's then-president Christian Bizot, the collaboration has featured the brand—often the Special Cuvée or vintage expressions—in 14 Bond films, including limited-edition releases such as the 2024 007 Goldfinger cuvée and the 2025 Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition to mark milestones in the partnership. Additionally, Bollinger has held a royal warrant as supplier to the since 1884, most recently renewed in 2024, underscoring its status among connoisseurs.

History

Founding and early development

Bollinger Champagne's origins trace back to 1585, when the Hennequin family, ancestors of one of the house's founding partners, acquired vineyards in the region near Cramant. The house itself was formally established on 6 February 1829 in Aÿ as Renaudin-Bollinger & Cie, a formed by Athanase-Louis-Emmanuel Hennequin, of Villermont—a former naval officer and landowner in Aÿ— Levieux Renaudin, a local wine enthusiast previously employed by a prominent Champagne house, and Joseph-Jacob-Placide Bollinger (known as ), a German-born merchant specializing in Champagne sales. Operating initially from the Villermont family residence at 16 Rue de l'Huilerie in Aÿ, the firm focused on purchasing and trading still and sparkling wines, with Renaudin overseeing cellar operations and Bollinger handling commercial activities. In its early years, Bollinger emphasized Pinot Noir-dominated blends, drawing from the house's core holdings in Aÿ—a Grand Cru village renowned for its powerful, structured Pinot Noir—and gradually expanding to other key sites like Verzenay in the Montagne de Reims. This focus on Pinot Noir, which comprised the majority of their grape sourcing, laid the foundation for the house's signature full-bodied, vinous style. A pivotal personal and business milestone occurred in 1837, when Jacques Bollinger married Louise-Charlotte Hennequin de Villermont, Athanase's daughter, securing family continuity and integrating the Villermont estate more deeply into the operations. The partnership endured for 18 years until Villermont's retirement, after which Bollinger and Renaudin continued expanding the enterprise amid the growing 19th-century demand for Champagne. The house also faced the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, requiring replanting of vineyards with phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, which influenced subsequent grape sourcing and style evolution. Throughout the mid-19th century, Bollinger built its reputation through targeted exports, beginning with shipments to in the , which fostered enduring ties with the and led to a formal with agent Mentzendorff in 1858. Initial production remained modest, centered on trading and blending wines from select vineyards rather than large-scale ownership, allowing the house to refine its quality-driven approach. By the late , Bollinger's participation in international expositions, including the 1855 Exposition Universelle in , helped elevate its profile among connoisseurs, showcasing its Pinot Noir-based cuvées and contributing to the house's emerging status as a purveyor of premium . This period of foundational growth set the stage for subsequent family leadership.

Expansion under Lily Bollinger

Upon the death of her husband, Jacques Bollinger, in 1941, Lily Bollinger assumed control of the family-owned Champagne house amid the challenges of and the German occupation of . With severe shortages of equipment, workforce, and resources, she managed operations by personally inspecting the vineyards on her , ensuring the continuation of production despite the adversities. Following the in 1945, she rebuilt the estate with the support of family members, focusing on quality and tradition to restore and elevate the house's reputation. Her leadership through 1971 marked a period of resilience and strategic consolidation, transforming Bollinger into a symbol of enduring prestige. Under Lily Bollinger's stewardship, the house pursued key expansions to secure its raw materials and refine its winemaking identity. In 1969, she launched the Vieilles Vignes Françaises from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines in the Clos Saint-Jacques and Clos Chaudes-Terres parcels in Aÿ. She also emphasized and preserved the traditional practice of oak barrel for a portion of the wines, particularly those destined for prestige bottlings, believing it imparted superior complexity and structure; as she stated, "It is the traditional methods that count, even if they appear outdated: the quality of my wines is proof of this." This approach, involving small oak casks for vinification, differentiated Bollinger from contemporaries increasingly shifting to . Lily Bollinger further developed the house's signature styles, including enhancements to the Special Cuvée, the flagship non-vintage originally named in 1911 but refined under her tenure for greater consistency and depth through extended lees aging. In 1967, she innovated by launching Bollinger R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé), a late-disgorged version of the Special Cuvée aged on lees for up to eight years or more before release, establishing a long-term program that allowed for the integration of older base wines to enhance complexity and balance. This program solidified Bollinger's reputation for structured, age-worthy Champagnes. Her visionary promotion efforts drove international growth, particularly in the United Kingdom, where she expanded distribution starting in 1951 and cultivated strong market presence through personal tours and strategic partnerships. Lily Bollinger's charismatic advocacy, exemplified by her famous quip—"I drink Champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it—unless I'm thirsty"—helped demystify Champagne and position Bollinger as an accessible luxury for everyday celebration.

Modern era and recent milestones

Following Lily Bollinger's tenure, her nephew Claude d'Hautefeuille assumed the role of chairman in 1971, marking the beginning of a new era focused on modernization while preserving the house's traditional values; he was later joined by another nephew, de Montgolfier, who became president in 1994. Christian Bizot served as chairman from 1978 to 1994, emphasizing global promotion through targeted relationships with sommeliers and merchants. In 2008, Jérôme Philipon became the first non-family chairman, followed by Charles-Armand de Belenet as CEO in 2017, who has continued to blend heritage with technological innovation under family oversight. During the and , Bollinger navigated significant economic pressures in the industry, including crises and recessions that led to a 9% drop in overall sales by the early , by prioritizing quality and selective expansion. This strategic approach facilitated steady growth, with annual production reaching approximately 2 million bottles (around 170,000 cases) by the , supported by an expanding portfolio of 180 hectares of predominantly and Premier Cru vineyards. In July 2022, as preparations for its 200th anniversary in 2029 advanced, Bollinger announced ambitious bicentennial plans, including renovations to its Aÿ facilities such as a new barrel cellar, a 20-room , and enhanced visitor experiences like the Galerie . Accompanying these initiatives is a new environmental and societal charter committing to preservation, reduced carbon emissions, and practices, such as minimizing non-glass waste by 2029. This charter aligns with Bollinger's 2023 achievement of B Corp certification, recognizing its high standards in social and environmental performance. A recent highlight came with the 2025 harvest, which Bollinger's team described as exceptional due to its early ripening, healthy grapes, and fine balance, promising high quality potential despite an overall limited to 9,000 kg per .

Wines

Non-vintage cuvées

Bollinger's flagship non-vintage , Special Cuvée, serves as the primary entry point to the house's distinctive style, offering consistent quality year after year. This is crafted to embody the brand's emphasis on and , drawing from a high proportion of premier terroirs while maintaining accessibility for a broad audience. The blend comprises 60% , 25% , and 15% , with over 85% sourced from Grand and Premier Crus vineyards across key appellations such as Verzenay, Aÿ, and the Côte des Blancs. Approximately 30% of the base wines undergo in oak barrels, contributing to the wine's depth and oxidative notes, a hallmark of Bollinger's traditional approach. Following assemblage, the undergoes lees aging for 30 to 36 months—exceeding the appellation's minimum requirement—before an additional maturation period post-disgorgement. The final blend incorporates around 50% reserve wines, with 5-10% drawn from magnums aged 5 to 15 years, ensuring vintage consistency and layered complexity without reliance on a single harvest. This dosage of 7-8 g/L balances the wine's richness with freshness. On the palate, Special Cuvée reveals a flavor profile marked by ripe orchard fruits like roasted apple and , accented by spicy , fresh , and subtle undertones, all supported by fine, velvety bubbles. As Bollinger's core offering, it represents the house's Pinot Noir-driven style—more structured than many non-vintage peers—while forming the bulk of annual production, which totals about 3 million bottles across the portfolio. This volume underscores its role in delivering reliable expression of the Bollinger character, distinct from the variability of vintage expressions.

Vintage and prestige cuvées

Bollinger's prestige cuvée lineup centers on three exceptional wines: La Grande Année, R.D., and Vieilles Vignes Françaises, each showcasing the house's commitment to extended lees aging and dominance for profound complexity and longevity. La Grande Année is produced solely in exceptional vintages, blending approximately 60% and 40% sourced from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, with the 2015 edition drawing from 18 crus including Aÿ and Verzenay. Vinified entirely in old oak barrels for micro-oxygenation, it undergoes a minimum of six to seven years on lees under natural , far exceeding requirements, before hand-riddling and . The 2015 exhibits aromas of baked apple, , and lemon zest, with a palate of stone fruits, honey, and delicate minerality, underscored by vibrant acidity that supports aging potential beyond 20 years. Critics praise its structure and evolution, often awarding scores above 95 points for vintages like 2015, highlighting its balance of ripeness and freshness. Building on La Grande Année, R.D. (Récemment Dégorgé) extends the lees aging to eight to fourteen years depending on the vintage, with recent disgorgement—typically within months of release—preserving oxidative notes and revitalizing the wine's freshness. For instance, the 2008 R.D. spent 14 years on lees, resulting in layered primary fruit, secondary brioche, and tertiary hazelnut complexities, with a low dosage amplifying its intensity and aging prowess. This approach, pioneered by Bollinger since 1976, emphasizes the "kiss of life" from late release, earning acclaim for vintages like 2008, which achieve 98+ points for their depth and 30+ year potential. Vieilles Vignes Françaises represents the pinnacle of rarity, crafted from 100% ungrafted vines planted before the crisis in the 19th century, limited to just 0.3 hectares across two parcels in Aÿ and Verzenay. Production is minuscule, yielding approximately 2,000 to 3,000 numbered bottles per —such as 1,865 for the 2014 —each hand-dressed and disgorged after extended lees aging to capture the vines' intense, terroir-driven minerality and red fruit purity. Renowned for its pre- heritage, it garners universal critical reverence, with vintages like 2007 scoring 100 points for structure and longevity exceeding 25 years. Bollinger's release strategy for these cuvées prioritizes patience, disgorging and launching only when the wines achieve optimal maturity, often after a decade or more of cellaring, to ensure their renowned 20+ year aging capacity and consistent high acclaim from outlets like and .

Special editions and innovations

Bollinger has released several limited-edition cuvées tied to its long-standing partnership with the franchise, blending the house's signature style with thematic packaging inspired by the films. The Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition, launched in 2021 to coincide with the release of , features the non-vintage Special Cuvée in a bespoke gift box adorned with the James Bond silhouette and motif; the bottle itself sports a silver birch colorway with gold lettering and a black-and-gold neck collar bearing the 007 , emphasizing depth and subtlety from reserve wines aged 5 to 15 years in magnums. In 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of the film , Bollinger introduced the Goldfinger 007 Limited Edition, a magnum of the 2007 vintage La Grande Année aged for 17 years on lees, with only 200 handcrafted sets produced; each is housed in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case and includes four exclusive Bollinger 007 glasses, highlighting the cuvée's richness and finesse from Pinot Noir-dominant blends. More recently, in 2025, another Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition celebrated 45 years of the Bollinger-James Bond collaboration, presented in a sleek black collector's box that evokes the agent's intrigue, with production limited to underscore its exclusivity. Beyond thematic releases, Bollinger has innovated with -specific and purity-focused cuvées that push the boundaries of its emphasis. The PN TX20, the sixth in the PN series, is a 100% Blanc de Noirs non-vintage centered on the 2020 base year from the Tauxières in the Montagne de Reims, enriched by over 25% reserve wines from vintages like 2008 and 2012; dosed at 8 g/L and cellared for twice the minimum, it delivers elegance and complexity with notes of , white stone fruits, , and a finish, available only in limited magnums through the 1829 app. Similarly, the B16, released in 2025 as the second in the "By Bollinger" series following B13, draws from the challenging 2016 vintage with 73% from Montagne de Reims and 27% , aged over seven years on lees with a low dosage of 4 g/L; it offers a silky, ethereal texture with floral aromas of , , and honey, evolving into ripe stone fruits and on the palate for a balanced, long finish, also limited to the 1829 app. La Grande Année variants exemplify Bollinger's innovative approach to cuvées, uniquely blending a base with a small portion of from the legendary aux Enfants plot to achieve a delicate hue and enhanced structure. The 2015 edition, released in 2024, comprises 62% and 38% from 11 crus, incorporating 5% of the 2015 aux Enfants , vinified in oak barrels for added depth and freshness; it presents sparkling highlights, aromas of orchard fruits, , and , with a medium-to-full-bodied palate of peach and fino notes. This method ties into cultural collaborations, such as the 2007 variant's limited-edition presentation celebrating the partnership, which integrates the rosé's berry-infused elegance with the franchise's iconic allure. These releases, often in restricted quantities, showcase Bollinger's commitment to experimentation while honoring its heritage.

Production

Vineyard management and grape sourcing

Bollinger owns 180 hectares of vineyards, with 85% classified as and Premier Crus, strategically located across key Champagne appellations to optimize grape quality and expression. These holdings are concentrated in premier sites such as Aÿ and Verzenay on the Montagne de Reims, Chardonnay-focused areas like Cuis on the Côte des Blancs, and Meunier plantings in Champvoisy within the Vallée de la Marne, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on the three principal Champagne varieties. dominates the estate's plantings at over 60%, providing the backbone of structure and depth in Bollinger's cuvées. The house sources over 60% of its grapes from these estate vineyards, allowing tight control over cultivation and harvesting to uphold consistent quality. The remaining approximately 40% comes from long-term contracts with selected growers, where Bollinger prioritizes partners committed to sustainable farming to align with its environmental standards and ensure grape integrity. This grower network focuses on Grand and Premier Cru sites, maintaining the high proportion—over 85%—of premium origins in blends like the Special Cuvée. Vineyard management highlights old, ungrafted vines in historic plots such as Clos Saint-Jacques and Chaudes Terres in Aÿ, which have resisted and are meticulously tended by hand using traditional provignage for . These vines thrive in clay-limestone soils that impart minerality and firmness, essential for the house's powerful style. Harvesting occurs manually to select only ripe clusters, typically from late to early , with strict adherence to using solely the first-pressing juice—the —for winemaking, maximizing purity and finesse.

Winemaking techniques

Bollinger employs traditional winemaking techniques that emphasize oak influence, extended lees aging, and meticulous blending to achieve its signature rich, structured house style. The house ferments a portion of its base wines—typically around 30% for the Special Cuvée non-vintage blend—in small, old French oak barrels sourced from Burgundy, which impart oxidative notes, enhanced texture, and complexity through subtle micro-oxygenation and tannin integration. For prestige cuvées like La Grande Année and R.D., 100% of the base wines undergo barrel fermentation in these 205-liter pièces champenoises, allowing for greater flavor development and a vinous character distinctive to Bollinger's Pinot Noir-dominant blends. Reserve wines play a crucial role in maintaining vintage consistency, with Bollinger uniquely aging them in magnums sealed under natural cork for 5 to 15 years before incorporation into blends, contributing 5-10% to the Special Cuvée for added depth and continuity without relying on a traditional blending method. After the tirage and secondary in , all cuvées undergo extended lees aging to develop autolytic flavors of and ; non- expressions like Special Cuvée receive a minimum of three years on lees—twice the requirement—while prestige cuvées age longer, such as 6-10 years for La Grande Année and up to 14 years for R.D. Partial is selectively employed, particularly in oak-fermented lots, to soften acidity while preserving freshness and structure, with the process often controlled through cellar temperature adjustments. Dosage levels are tailored to each cuvée's profile, typically ranging from 8-9 grams per liter for the balanced Special Cuvée to lower levels (under 6 g/L) for drier prestige expressions like R.D. Extra Brut, ensuring harmony between fruit, acidity, and residual sweetness. The riddling and dégorgement processes reflect Bollinger's commitment to artisanal methods, with bottles hand-riddled on pupitres by skilled remueurs to consolidate lees into the neck over several weeks, followed by manual disgorgement to remove while minimizing oxidation. This labor-intensive approach, combined with natural aging during maturation, enhances the wines' and longevity.

Sustainability and environmental practices

Bollinger has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental , beginning with its achievement of High Environmental Value (HEV) in 2012, making it the first Champagne house in to receive this distinction for its vineyards. This recognizes practices such as the large-scale reduction in plant protection products, preservation of , efficient water management, and reasoned use of fertilizers. In 2023, the maison further advanced its eco-friendly profile by obtaining B Corp in , affirming high standards in social and environmental performance after a multi-year effort aligned with its long-term goals. Key biodiversity initiatives include a ban on herbicides across its vineyards since 2016, replaced by natural techniques to minimize chemical inputs and protect ecosystems. The maison emphasizes preserving old vines, notably through organic farming implemented on plots like La Côte aux Enfants and Vieilles Vignes Françaises starting in 2009, which supports soil health and genetic diversity in the face of modern viticultural pressures. These efforts tie into broader vineyard management strategies that promote ecological balance, such as encouraging sustainable viticulture certifications among its growers. In July 2022, Bollinger unveiled an environmental and societal as part of its preparations for the 2029 bicentennial, outlining ambitious targets including significant reductions through operational efficiencies and principles. This builds on prior commitments, focusing on lowering emissions from , , and while fostering and resource conservation. To address challenges, Bollinger has adapted by adjusting harvest timings, with the 2025 regional vintage beginning exceptionally early around August 21 due to accelerated ripening from warmer conditions—a trend reflecting a 1.2°C temperature rise in the region over the past three decades. Bollinger's 2025 harvest, aligned with this early regional start, yielded grapes of exceptional quality with fine balance and high potential, as assessed in November 2025. The maison maintains a focus on resilient grapes, which constitute a high proportion of its blends and benefit from the house's data-driven vintage predictions to mitigate variability in yields and quality.

Marketing and brand

James Bond partnership

Bollinger's association with James Bond originated in Ian Fleming's novels, with the first mention appearing in the 1956 book Diamonds Are Forever, where the agent enjoys a bottle during a luxurious meal. This literary nod laid the groundwork for a enduring partnership, transitioning to the in 1973's Live and Let Die, marking Bollinger's debut as Bond's preferred champagne in the film series. The brand became the exclusive supplier to the franchise starting that year, featuring prominently in subsequent productions. A pivotal moment came in 1979 with , where the partnership was formalized over a lunch between Bollinger's then-president Christian Bizot and Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, solidifying Bollinger's role as 007's champagne of choice. From the 1980s onward, Bollinger has appeared in nearly every Bond film, including (1995) and (2021), often in sophisticated scenes that highlight the champagne's elegance and Bond's refined tastes. These placements have elevated the brand's prestige, associating it with espionage glamour and luxury. To commemorate the collaboration, Bollinger has released custom tied to specific films, such as the 2021 Special 007 Limited Edition, featuring packaging with the iconic 007 to honor the cinematic legacy. In 2024, the house marked the 60th anniversary of with a limited-edition gift set including Grande Année 2007, priced at £3,500 and evoking the film's opulent style. In , the partnership has imbued Bollinger with cultural cachet, earning it the affectionate nickname "Bolly" among enthusiasts, a term that underscores its status as a symbol of sophistication linked to the suave .

Promotional strategies and global reach

Bollinger employs a multifaceted promotional strategy that emphasizes exclusivity, experiential engagement, and storytelling to cultivate a loyal global audience. Central to this approach is the 1829 Club, a membership program launched to honor the maison's founding year, which provides members with access to rare and unpublished cuvées through one-off sales events at Bollinger's oenothèques. The club, accessible via a dedicated that replaced the original in 2022, offers tailor-made events, insider updates on new releases, and immersive experiences that deepen connections with the brand's heritage. This initiative fosters a among enthusiasts, positioning Bollinger as a of unique, limited-edition offerings beyond its standard portfolio. Awards play a pivotal role in Bollinger's promotional narrative, reinforcing its reputation for quality and driving international prestige. Post-2020, the maison has garnered consistent high scores from leading publications, such as Wine Spectator's No. 10 ranking for La Grande Année 2012 in its Top 100 Wines of 2020, highlighting the vintage's elegance and structure. has similarly recognized recent releases, awarding 93 points to PN TX17 in a tasting led by Yohan Castaing, praising its finesse and focus. These accolades are leveraged in materials to underscore Bollinger's commitment to excellence, often featured in event invitations and digital content to attract discerning consumers. Bollinger's global reach extends to over 100 countries, with strategic emphasis on mature markets like the , , and key Asian regions such as and . In the UK, a core market since the 19th century, promotional efforts include high-profile events and partnerships that capitalize on the region's strong affinity for . The US has seen aggressive investment, with Bollinger enhancing its presence through targeted distribution and pricing strategies to meet growing demand. In Asia, focus on markets like —where exports have driven growth—combines with efforts in , despite challenges, to tap into emerging luxury segments. Digital and experiential campaigns further amplify Bollinger's global strategy, integrating narratives to appeal to modern consumers. The maison's features an immersive digital journey through its history, allowing users to explore iconic locations and win tours, blending education with interactivity. Experiential activations, such as collaborations with platforms like for versatile product launches, create memorable encounters that highlight Bollinger's adaptability in pairings and occasions. storytelling is woven throughout, with campaigns emphasizing long-standing practices like soil protection and traditional , as detailed on dedicated platforms and in media features that position Bollinger as an environmentally conscious leader. Recent partnerships, including a 2025 alliance with , extend this through curated events fusing luxury automotive and experiences across international markets.

Corporate structure

Ownership and family involvement

Champagne Bollinger is owned by , the family established in 1829 alongside the founding of the champagne house itself, and it has remained 100% family-owned ever since. This structure ensures that control stays within the Bollinger lineage, with no external shareholders influencing operations. The company's commitment to independence has allowed it to prioritize long-term quality over short-term commercial pressures, distinguishing it among the few remaining fully family-controlled producers. Leadership of Champagne Bollinger is drawn from the fifth and sixth generations of the , reflecting a seamless transition of stewardship across nearly two centuries. Etienne Bizot, a sixth-generation member, serves as Chairman of the board, overseeing strategic direction. Charles-Armand de Belenet has been Managing Director since 2017, guiding day-to-day operations while upholding the house's heritage. The board, which includes family representatives like Bizot and operational executives such as General Secretary Benjamin Guizelin, focuses decision-making on preserving traditional practices, including aging and extended lees contact, to maintain the brand's signature style. The family's philanthropic efforts are channeled through the Madame Bollinger Foundation, created in 1987 by Lily Bollinger's nephew Christian Bizot to honor her legacy and promote excellence in oenology. The foundation supports educational initiatives in wine studies, notably via the annual Madame Bollinger Medal awarded to outstanding Masters of Wine candidates. In 2024, Dror Nativ MW received the medal for exceptional tasting ability and achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine examinations. This award underscores the family's dedication to fostering expertise and ethical standards in the wine industry, aligning with their broader ethos of quality and tradition.

Acquisitions and international expansions

In 2005, the Bollinger family, through Société Jacques Bollinger (SJB), acquired , a historic house founded in 1860 in Aÿ, known for its Chardonnay-dominant, low-dosage sparkling wines. This purchase allowed SJB to expand its portfolio with a complementary style to Bollinger's Pinot Noir-focused offerings, enhancing the group's presence in the region's premier terroirs. Building on its diversification strategy, SJB acquired full ownership of négociant Père & Fils in 1999, a Beaune-based estate established in 1750 with 43 hectares of vineyards primarily in the . This move strengthened the group's foothold in still red and white wines from prestigious appellations like Pommard and . In 2023, SJB further expanded its presence through by acquiring d'Etroyes, a 50-hectare estate in the Côte Chalonnaise focused on Mercurey and Rully appellations. Similarly, SJB purchased Langlois-Château in the in 1973, a producer founded in 1885 that manages 95 hectares (51 ha in , 11 ha in Saumur-Champigny, and 33 ha in ) dedicated to Crémant de Loire and still wines from and , emphasizing organic viticulture. SJB also holds a significant stake in Delamain, a house dating to the , initially acquired in and increased to a majority in 2017, focusing on terroir-expressive spirits. This investment marked the group's entry into premium spirits, broadening beyond wine to include aged eaux-de-vie from small family estates. A pivotal international expansion occurred in 2021 when SJB acquired Ponzi Vineyards, its first property outside , located in Oregon's . Established in 1974, Ponzi specializes in and , sustainably farming nearly 150 acres including estate and long-term supplied sites from the founding family. The Ponzi family retained adjacent land under long-term supply agreements, ensuring continuity in sustainable farming practices. These acquisitions reflect SJB's strategic rationale to diversify into still wines, sparkling varietals, and spirits while exploring terroirs, thereby mitigating risks from Champagne's market volatility and capitalizing on global demand for premium, terroir-driven products. By integrating houses with shared values in quality and , the group has built a portfolio spanning and the , fostering synergies in distribution and innovation without diluting Bollinger's core identity.

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