Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants 2019 Bollinger

Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants 2019 from Maison Bollinger is one of Champagne's rarest and most fascinating red wines, born from a legendary parcel whose singular history makes it the ultimate expression of Aÿ's original vocation. Before it became the capital of Champagne, Aÿ was first a capital of red wine: the Pinot Noirs of Aÿ were the favourites of King Henry IV, the most prized wines at the French court. La Côte aux Enfants resurrects this centuries-old tradition with an aromatic concentration, power and precision that are truly striking for a Champagne wine. A wine for connoisseurs seeking unexpected and distinctive Champagne specialities.

The parcel and terroir

La Côte aux Enfants is an absolute monopoly of 4 hectares belonging exclusively to Bollinger, with only 2 hectares dedicated to Coteaux Champenois production. This steep parcel, perched on a limestone hillside at the edge of Aÿ Grand Cru, at the foot of the Montagne de Reims, once belonged to more than fifty different owners. It was Jacques Bollinger himself who patiently reconstituted it, parcel by parcel, between 1926 and 1934, with absolute vision and conviction about this terroir's potential. Planted exclusively in Pinot Noir and farmed organically since 2009, this parcel is vinified only in vintages where grape maturity is judged exceptional: lesser vintages never yield a Coteaux Champenois. The 2019 vintage, marked by two exceptional heat waves in June and July with a record 42.9°C on 25 July, produced grapes of incomparable phenolic and aromatic concentration, perfectly suited to producing a great Champagne red.

Burgundian vinification

Vinification is conducted entirely in the Burgundian manner, an approach radically different from Champagne practice and exceptionally rare in the region. One third of the grapes are vinified as whole bunches, with lignified stems harvested late to add complexity and structure without vegetal character. The remaining two thirds are destemmed. A slow, progressive cold maceration precedes fermentation to gently extract colour and aromas. Ageing takes place in small oak barrels, in the manner of great Côte de Nuits Pinot Noirs.

Tasting profile

The colour is a beautiful deep garnet with violet highlights, of a visual density and richness that directly reveal this exceptional vintage's natural concentration. The nose is striking in its intensity and complexity: aromas of intense dark fruits, Bigarreau cherry and blackberry, accompanied by liquorice and sweet spice notes like vanilla, compose a first register of absolute richness and precision. Touches of violet and bergamot progressively enrich this bouquet with remarkable delicacy and depth. On the palate, the texture is chiselled and delicate, with natural tension that brings remarkable length and persistence for a Coteaux Champenois. The structure is full and silky, carried by fine, well-integrated tannins. The wine reveals notes of pepper, truffle and forest floor that add a tertiary dimension of absolute nobility. The terroir expresses itself with clarity and directness that speak to the historic grandeur of this place.

The house

Founded on 6 February 1829 in Aÿ, Maison Bollinger is one of the last great Champagne houses to remain truly independent, still in the hands of a family whose passion and demands have never wavered. La Côte aux Enfants continues the tradition of Aÿ's great Pinot Noirs, alongside Vieilles Vignes Françaises and the cuvée PN, forming the triptych of absolute expressions of Bollinger Pinot Noir.

Food pairings

This Coteaux Champenois La Côte aux Enfants 2019 pairs beautifully with veal medallion with wild mushrooms and Coteaux Champenois jus, Tournedos Rossini with candied shallots and red wine sauce, rack of lamb in a herb crust, Bresse chicken with morels, or duck with cherries. An hour of decanting is recommended to allow this wine of great ageing potential to fully express itself. Served at 16°C in a large Burgundy glass, it will reveal the full concentration, power and aromatic precision of a Champagne red of exceptional rarity and nobility.