Champagne Bollinger debuted the second disgorgement of its 2008 R.D. Extra Brut in Hong Kong, offering wine enthusiasts in the city a chance to experience the evolving complexity of its flagship vintage from R.D., or “récemment dégorgé”.
The 2008 vintage is composed of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay. The second disgorgement was completed in October 2023, following the first in December 2022. A third is scheduled for this month, continuing Bollinger’s tradition of providing multiple disgorgements to showcase the wine’s evolving profile.
“It is a very interesting tasting profile,” said Thibaut Jaubert, Bollinger’s Asia Pacific International Business Manager. “You have the characteristics of an old wine, like honey and brioche flavors, but also the freshness and acidity of a recently disgorged bottle. The three disgorgements allow customers to experience R.D. as close to the disgorgement date as possible.”
Bollinger first introduced disgorgement dates on its labels in 1967 with the launch of the 1952 vintage, a practice that has become a hallmark of the R.D. series. The 2008 vintage continues this tradition, prominently displaying the disgorgement date on the front label, just below the vintage year.
Jaubert emphasized Hong Kong’s importance to the house, noting a shift in Champagne’s perception from a celebratory drink to a food-pairing staple in the city’s mature market. “Now, people are really happy to drink it with some red meats and spicy dishes,” Jaubert said, highlighting this trend in food pairing. “It’s really interesting to see this because champagne Bollinger is meant to be paired with food. It is a great recognition for us in Hong Kong.”
Looking beyond Hong Kong, Jaubert is optimistic about mainland China, predicting that the growing interest in Champagne will mirror the country’s earlier shift from Bordeaux to Burgundy. “Once they do, it will be a huge market, especially in places like Shanghai or Beijing,” he said, “I am sure that in a few years, it will be booming.”
Japan, a mature wine-consuming market known for its discerning tastes, is a key Asian market for Bollinger. Meanwhile, Thailand is gaining attention from the house following the temporary removal of import tariffs, which is expected to attract more consumers through better pricing. Additionally, Bollinger is exploring the emerging markets of the Philippines and Indonesia, both of which are experiencing economic growth.
The Bollinger R.D. 2008 2nd Disgorgement is now available to both public and private clients through Jebsen Wines and Spirits, one of Asia’s Top 50 Wine Importers. Consumers can purchase it on Jebsen’s online store for HK$3,000 per bottle.
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