Champagne Bollinger expands its collection dedicated to Pinot Noir with the launch of PN AYC21, a new expression of the Bollinger PN cuvée. It is a Blanc de Noirs made exclusively from Pinot Noir, sourced primarily from the terroir of Aÿ, with the 2021 harvest as its base vintage. A project that confirms the historic Maison’s desire to explore, year after year, the infinite nuances of the grape that defines its identity. The PN range is in fact one of the most original initiatives in the contemporary Champagne landscape. Each edition is born from the idea of reinterpreting Pinot Noir through a different reference terroir, while maintaining the stylistic coherence that characterizes the Bollinger signature. After PN VZ15, PN VZ16, PN TX17, PN AYC18, PN VZ19 and PN TX20, the new PN AYC21 brings the spotlight back to the celebrated village of Aÿ.
Bollinger PN AYC21: the cuvée born from the Maison’s innovation and savoir‑faire
The origins of the project date back to 2015, when Gilles Descôtes, then Chef de Cave of the Maison in Aÿ, launched an internal challenge to the winemaking team: to create the best non‑vintage blend made exclusively from Pinot Noir. From that initiative emerged a production philosophy destined to become one of Bollinger’s most distinctive expressions.
The goal is to highlight the different interpretations of Pinot Noir through its most prestigious terroirs, showcasing the specific character of each village and the grape’s ability to reveal diverse nuances. The blend includes a significant proportion of reserve wines, including the famous Magnum de réserve, a key element in building the depth and harmony typical of the Bollinger style.
As Charles‑Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger, explains:
“This cuvée, made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, is an integral part of what constitutes the essence, the DNA of our Maison: a unique vision of this emblematic grape variety, and uncompromising work to carry out the mission that has driven us since 1829 — to be creators of taste.”
Bollinger PN AYC21: Aÿ at the heart of the blend
The terroir of Aÿ is the core of this new edition. Its steep slopes, fragmented chalk soils and south–southwest exposure contribute to a particularly structured and vinous expression of Pinot Noir. Alongside Aÿ, other emblematic villages such as Tauxières and Mutigny add further complexity and depth to the cuvée.
The blend is composed of 51% wines from the 2021 vintage and 49% reserve wines. The reserve component includes 2019 for the portion aged in oak, while the Magnum de réserve comes from the 2013, 2012 and 2014 harvests. The wine also benefits from a maturation period more than twice the minimum required by the appellation and is dosed at 8 grams per liter.
The 2021 vintage: climatic challenges and the pursuit of balance
The 2021 harvest was marked by highly contrasting weather conditions. Frost, heavy rainfall and warm spells alternated throughout the growing season, creating a complex year. After a cold, wet winter, spring proved unstable, while summer was characterized by intense rains that kept soil humidity high.
Grape ripening progressed regularly but unevenly across parcels, with moderate alcohol levels and pronounced acidity. Difficult sanitary conditions, driven by pressure from downy mildew and botrytis, required meticulous selection in the vineyard and during harvest. The result was a crop capable of delivering freshness, precision and an acidic tension ideal for integration with reserve wines.
Deep and vibrant: Bollinger PN AYC21 in the glass
In the glass, PN AYC21 shows a bright golden‑yellow color. The bouquet opens with notes of ripe yellow fruit, recalling quince and mirabelle plum, accompanied by hints of toasted bread, almond and hazelnut. Nuances of brioche, white flowers and acacia honey further enrich the wine’s aromatic complexity.
On the palate, the richness of the aromatic profile is confirmed. Ripe fruit and pastry notes intertwine with a vibrant citrus component, while the creamy structure finds balance in the freshness that drives the tasting progression. The finish stands out for its persistent and refined note of blood orange, adding lift and precision.
Food pairings and aging potential
Designed for enthusiasts eager to explore the many expressions of Pinot Noir, PN AYC21 pairs beautifully with dishes that highlight its combination of structure, creaminess and tension.
The Maison suggests pairing it with pan‑seared scallops served with brown‑butter emulsion and orange zest, free‑range chicken breast in cream with toasted almonds and blood‑orange reduction, or roasted turbot with a creamy butter sauce and fresh almonds. There is also a dessert pairing: a thin apricot, almond and honey tart.
Served between 10 and 11 °C, the new Bollinger PN AYC21 can be enjoyed immediately or cellared to follow its evolution over time, confirming the Maison’s vocation for interpreting Pinot Noir through wines that combine identity, precision and depth.
