Special Cuvee is the quintessential expression of the Bollinger style. On average, 80% of the grapes come from Premiers and Grands Crus in Champagne. To ensure the consistency and continuity of the style, Bollinger adds to the blend a maximum of 10% of Reserve wines, which have been kept in magnum.
The blend consists on average of 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier, harvested from 30 different villages in Champagne. Special Cuvee matures for a minimum of three years in Bollinger's cellars prior to release.

"I drink it when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company, I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty."
(Lily Bollinger, 1971)