La Côte aux Enfants

The La Côte aux Enfants is not a Champagne in the classic sense — it is a red wine from the Champagne region that reminds one of the era when the still wines of the region were more famous than their sparkling wines. 100% Pinot Noir, grown on a single, steeply sloping parcel in the immediate vicinity of Aÿ, a Grand Cru that even Henry IV counted among his favorite sites.

Bollinger bought back this parcel piece by piece at the beginning of the 20th century — it was divided among more than fifty owners at the time. The 2013 vintage grew under extraordinary conditions: a wet spring, a hot summer with the strongest solar radiation ever measured in the Champagne. The result is concentrated grapes with pronounced structure, which matured in the cellar twice as long as the appellation prescribes — sealed with natural corks.

In the glass, the wine glows in a deep garnet red. The bouquet shows elderberry, blackcurrant, cherry, and licorice, plus a distinct pepper note. On the palate follows a firm but finely woven tannin structure, carried by ripe sour cherries, blackberry, and red currant. The dosage of 8 g/l is restrained — the focus is on fruit and depth.

Decant for a few hours before serving and pour at 16 °C. At the table, it pairs with veal schnitzel, tournedos with shallot confit and red wine sauce, duck breast, or mature Tomme de Savoie.