Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises, one of the world’s most exclusive Champagnes, is facing the specter of extinction. [read the full champagne story]
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
This unique Champagne, valued at around £1,500 per bottle, is crafted from ungrafted Pinot Noir vines in Aÿ, France. However, these vines, which are not grafted onto American rootstocks, are increasingly falling prey to phylloxera, a destructive root-eating louse. Despite Bollinger’s diligent efforts to combat this threat, dwindling yields and the impacts of climate change are compounding the challenges.
The vineyards, renowned for producing a Champagne of unparalleled complexity and richness, have experienced a significant decline in production, with recent harvests yielding as few as 700 bottles.
The future of this rare cuvée hangs in the balance, imperiled by environmental adversities and the relentless spread of phylloxera.
