Bollinger Special Cuvée is just that, special. It is made to a non-reductive style. Nor is it oxidised. “Poised” would be an appropriate description: between fruitiness, structure, and freshness. Special Cuvée was – and remains – a very good wine before becoming a champagne. There is always a lemony zestiness about it. Brioche too. With greater bottle age, a mature cider aspect too. The finish is firm without being austere. The blend is around 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay, and 15% pinot meunier. With 85% of the fruit from Grand and Premier Cru villages. The wine spends more than twice the minimum requirement (15 months) for a non-vintage on lees in the bottle. The dosage is 8 to 9 gm/l. Enjoyable as an aperitif, Special Cuvée is also very versatile with food including tempura, fish, shellfish, and doufu dishes.