Full Noir: Introducing Bollinger PN VZ19
Words by
Sphere Editors
29th August 2024
Champagne Bollinger’s PN VZ19 has gone pop, and we are here to share the characterful contents of this creation. Fresh from the innovative Maison itself and packed full of Pinot Noir – and only Pinot Noir. SPHERE’s Lisa Barnard attended the launch, hosted by Cyril Delarue of Champagne Bollinger at the stunning CLAP restaurant in Knightsbridge.
PN VZ19. Seemingly an indecipherable code, this series of letters reveals the aspects of the Champagne within - letter by letter. What grape? PN. Meaning Pinot Noir, and only Pinot Noir. Where from? VZ. In other words, Verzenay. The principal Cru, tucked just south of Reims. Finally, 19, representing the base year of 2019. From this one title blazoned on the bottle’s front label, you can grasp the key information of this unique Champagne concept. The personality, however, lays beneath the cork. So, let’s get to know PN VZ19, beyond these six letters.
The new addition to Bollinger's portfolio comes in a sleek black bottle emblazoned with gold foiling
Champagne Bollinger has always been synonymous with elegance, tradition, and a deep respect for the art of winemaking. The latest PN creation is a testament to this legacy. As a single expression of Pinot Noir (and exclusively Pinot Noir), the champagne is a bold exploration of this noble grape variety. Filling the glasses of fizz fanatics with a completely unique tasting experience. But what is it about using 100% Pinot Noir that truly sets this champagne apart?
Why Exclusively Pinot Noir?
While golden and sparkling, the flavours of PN VZ19 bleed bright with the punchy flavours of red grapes. Pinot Noir is easily distinguishable, with whatever it has been blended with. Taking that signature character and pushing it to 100% results in a champagne that displays the full power of Pinot Noir in every sip. “When you enjoy a glass of PN VZ19, you will become aware of just how powerful the juice from the red grapes that went into it are,” says Chief Winemaker Denis Bunner. “You will notice its captivating aromas, its creaminess and its elegantly delectable bubbles.”
PN VZ19 is purely made up of Pinot Noir from Verzenay and surrounding villages
Each grape has been meticulously selected from various terroirs in the Champagne province to showcase the broad diversity of the Pinot Noir variety. These are predominantly sourced from Verzenay, blending in handfuls picked from other verdant villages including Aÿ, Louvois and Tauxieres. Drawing personality from Verzenay’s chalky soils, any wines from this area always carry a clearly defined freshness. Glimpses of this crisp character are seen in the champagne’s gooseberry acidity on the nose and citrus zest on the palate.
Aged beyond the Rules
The rules of the Appellation refer to the guidelines of a wine’s production, set in place to protect its quality. With PN VZ19, Bollinger not only met the rules of Appellation but went beyond them. Ageing the champagne for more than twice the amount of time stipulated by the rules. This age is reflected in the champagne’s golden yellow hue and rich complexity.
Cyril Delarue of Champgane Bollinger
Combining the elements of lengthened maturation and finely sourced Pinot Noir in one gold-emblazoned black bottle, PN VZ19 elegantly captures Bollinger’s balance of ever-evolving expertise and long-standing tradition. “This cuvée, made entirely of Pinot Noir, is part of what makes up the essence, the DNA, of our Maison,” says Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director Champagne Bollinger.
According to Bollinger, PN VZ19 is best enjoyed between 10 and 11°C
Perfect Pairings
Firstly, before any food even thinks to enter the picture, Bollinger recommend serving PN VZ19 at the sweet spot between 10 and 11°C. This is the suggested temperature to best allow the aromas and unique style of the champagne to be unlocked. Allowing the full notes of candied lemon and bergamot to be experienced on the nose, and the creamy and slightly acidic Mirabelle plum flavours to develop before coating the palate. To complement the champagne, Bollinger have hand-picked a series of sumptuous dishes that they believe perfectly fit the brief. To start, a sea bream ceviche seasoned with punchy lime and mango. Moving onto a three-spiced veal and peach tagine and, if dessert is in question, a simple lemon meringue tart. Designed to match the collection of citrusy notes woven through the champagne and provide a sweet edge.
With it's slightly acidic citrus notes on the palate, PN VZ19 pairs well with sushi and other light seafood dishes
As each new edition of the Bollinger PN cuvée is released, it will continue to enrich the Bollinger PN range, offering passionate oenophiles a deeper understanding of pinot noir’s versatility and the profound impact of terroir on its expression. This commitment to exploration and excellence makes the Bollinger PN cuvée not just a new addition to Champagne Bollinger’s core range, but a celebration of the artistry and heritage that define this iconic house.
Learn more about Champagne Bollinger PN VZ19 via champagne-bollinger.com/en
Bollinger PN VZ19
RSP: £99
Stockists: Berry Bros. & Rudd, BI, Farr Vintners, Hedonism
