An exclusive assemblage of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus, the first fermentation of La Grande Annee is always carried out in oak barrel, a process unique to the winemaking traditions of Champagne. Bollinger makes use of well seasoned, prior use barrels, five years of age and more, to avoid any obvious new oak influence or unwanted tannins. La Grande Annee ages under the Bollinger cellars for at least six years. After a manual disgorgement, La Grande Annee is treated to a small liqueur dosage of 7 g/L to 9 g/L, before resting a minimum of three months prior to release. This short respite permits the wine to digest it's liqueur d'expedition and recover perfect balance.