Bollinger's famous still red wine 'La Côte aux Enfants' is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown on a very steep plot, on the outskirts of Aÿ.  Legend has it that the vineyard was so steep that it took the agility of children to harvest the grapes, hence the name.  We are delighted to offer an allocation of the 2019 vintage of this very rare red wine, scored 97 points by Antonio Galloni, at £240 per three bottles in bond.  

Made in very small quantities, La Côte aux Enfants was for many years a curio, harking back to before Champagne produced sparkling wines.  The region was best known for making the preferred wine of Henry IV, and later supplying large quantities of easy-drinking red wines to Paris.

At the beginning of the 20^th Century, Jacques Bollinger gradually reconstructed the vineyard, which had previously been owned by more than 50 landowners. Bollinger has been the sole proprietor of this 4ha lieu-dit ever since.  Made from 100% Pinot Noir in the Burgundian style, La Côte aux Enfants is aged in small oak barrels with one-third of the grapes undergoing whole-bunch fermentation.

La Côte aux Enfants is only produced in the best vintages, from exceptionally ripe fruit.  Nevertheless, many older vintages we tasted still reflected the cool climate of the region, with a style we would describe at best as austere.  Climate change and recent warmer vintages have put paid to that austerity and current releases have much more generosity and concentration...hence the 2019 receives tasting notes like Galloni's, describing it as "rich, ample and seductive" (97 points).

The 2019 vintage in Champagne was successful, with many high-quality wines produced.  Mild conditions in Winter and early Spring allowed for the development of powdery mildew that affected some vines. Severe frosts in April also dramatically reduced yields, but the summer saw a heatwave, which helped bring concentration and richness. Luckily the nights were cool enough to help the grapes retain their freshness and acidity.

Yields were certainly smaller than usual, but the grapes that survived the growing season were inclined to be very ripe whilst also keeping their aromatic character. This was of particular benefit to La Côte aux Enfants, allowing for a beautifully balanced wine to be produced that perfectly combines richness and freshness.

It's easy to take Champagne houses like Bollinger for granted, with their familiar labels forming a backdrop to small celebrations in our lives, from birthdays to exam results.  Sometimes, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate what extraordinary wine producers they are, with tremendous history, skill, and connection to the landscape they manage.   Experiencing this unique red wine will enhance your appreciation of both Bollinger and Champagne in general, so do consider adding a case to your cellar.

Offered pre-landing, expected November 2025.