Champagne Bollinger PN TX20 Brut / 12.5% / 0.75l

Champagne house Champagne Bollinger is one of Champagne's most iconic producers - it was founded in 1829 in Aÿ and from the beginning built its reputation on an uncompromising approach to quality and the unique role of the Pinot Noir varietal.It is this strain that is at the heart of Bollinger's style - more vinous, structured and gastronomic than most classic champagnes.

Bollinger has remained in the hands of the same family for generations, a rarity in a region dominated by large corporations.One of the cornerstones of his style is working on his own vineyards - the house has more than 170 hectares under cultivation, most of which are planted with Pinot Noir.What's more, Bollinger is famous for its unique practice of storing reserve wines in cork-locked magnums, which preserves freshness while building up an extraordinary aromatic depth.

The PN series, which includes the PN TX20, is a relatively new project for the house - its goal is to show the different facets of Pinot Noir through the lens of specific Champagne terroirs.In this edition, the focus is on the village of Tauxières.

Tauxières, located on the southwestern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is a terroir of extraordinary elegance and precision.Chalky loam soils and excellent exposure make Pinot Noir here achieve a unique balance between maturity and freshness.

This is where the main component of the PN TX20 comes from.Bollinger's vineyards in this village - covering some 18 hectares - form an almost homogeneous block, giving the producer full control over the style and quality of the fruit.

It is interesting to note that Tauxières often yields a more taut, mineral and elegant Pinot Noir than more well-known crus like Aÿ or Verzenay.In warm vintages, such as 2020, this terroir is able to maintain freshness and structure, making it an ideal foundation for champagnes with great finesse.

Bollinger PN TX20 is a Blanc de Noirs champagne, that is, made entirely from the red Pinot Noir grape (100%).The base is the 2020 vintage, supplemented by a significant share of reserve wines (more than 25%), including those from the 2008 and 2012 vintages, which adds depth and multidimensionality to the overall experience.

Fermentation partly takes place in used oak barrels - a hallmark of Bollinger - and then the wine matures on the lees for much longer than the appellation's regulations require, more than twice as long (about 3-4 years or more).

This wine is an interpretation of Pinot Noir in its pure form - at once precise, fresh and deep, showing the philosophy of the house of Bollinger: a combination of tradition, structure and elegance.

Appearance: golden color with delicate golden highlights and very fine, elegant effervescence.

Aroma: fresh citrus, lemon peel, white stone fruit (peach, apricot, quince), subtle minerality and flint notes.

Taste: initially fresh and taut (red currant), then develops towards fullness, creaminess and ripe fruit with a long, mineral finish.

Culinary combinations: lobster, seafood, duck with a fruity sauce, fine dining, but also as a sophisticated aperitif.