An intimate dinner with Bollinger Winemaker Sophia Luduvice celebrating La Grande Année

After her husband Jacques died in 1941, Lily Bollinger took over the house at a moment of acute personal and national crisis. Over the following three decades she transformed Bollinger from a well-regarded regional producer into a global icon. Visiting the vineyards each morning by bicycle, and presiding over every blending decision, she also cultivated relationships with the restaurateurs and merchants of London, New York and Tokyo to further build the brand. 

But arguably the most consequential decision Lily Bollinger made was refusing to change. When many houses were moving to temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation in the 1960s and '70s, Bollinger held firm in its labyrinthine cellars in Aÿ, where thousands of small oak foudres had fermented every cuvée since the house's founding. 

The apogee of this philosophy is seen in the rich, powerful prestige cuvée La Grande Année. A gastronomic Champagne dominated by Pinot Noir sourced from the heavy clay and chalk soils of Aÿ and Verzenay, its first fermentation occurs entirely in old oak barrels. Aged on its lees under a natural cork (rather than a crown cap) for between seven and ten years, this micro-oxygenation lends complexity and finesse. Every bottle is still riddled and disgorged by hand, Bollinger being one of the few houses to still employ its own riddlers (and cooper). 

The result is the characteristic tertiary notes of La Grande Année – roasted nuts, brioche, cacao – while a moderate dosage preserves the freshness of the primary fruit. 

We are delighted to welcome Bollinger winemaker Sophia Luduvice to Sydney for a rather special evening. Sophia will guide us through six different Champagnes – including the Grand Année Rosé, plus the 1995 – each matched to a different course specially devised by White Horse chef Jun Hwang.

Do join us for what promises to be a memorable night. 

Five course menu:

On arrival
Smoked trout, crème fraîche, dill, filo tart
NV Bolinger Special Cuvée, Champagne, France

First course
Murray cod, scallop, potato, champagne beurre blanc
2018 Bollinger La Grande Année, Champagne, France

Second course
Dry aged duck breast, cherry, bitter leaves, Australian fruits
2018 Bollinger La Grande Année Rosé, Champagne, France

Third course
Berkshire pork, caramelised apple, aigre-doux
2003 By Bollinger, Champagne, France

Fourth course
Black truffle risotto, mushrooms, parmesan, chives
1995 Bollinger La Grande Année, Champagne, France

To Finish
Pink lady apple tarte tatin, doenjang, vanilla ice cream
NV Bollinger Special Cuvée, Champagne, France

Tuesday 29th September
White Horse Hotel
381 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney 2010
18:30 — Welcome drink and canapés on arrival
19:00 — Guests seated - Dinner begins
22:00 — Dinner ends
22:30 — Event ends 

Member tickets - $425 per person
Non-member tickets - $475 per person 

Menu items are subject to change; we will notify you should there be any replacements.

General Notes
67 Pall Mall Melbourne reserves the right to amend the Terms and Conditions without prior notice. Ticket holders are advised to check the event page for the latest updates. Cancellations made within five business days of the event are unfortunately not eligible for a refund. In the event the cancelled ticket can be reallocated/ reissued to waitlisted Member, a refund may be issued at the Club’s discretion.

• The Club reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event due to insufficient attendance, forces of nature, accidents or emergencies. In such cases, we will either refund the full cost of the course, or arrange an alternative date.
• If any substitutions become necessary, we will ensure the value and quality of the replacements are equivalent.
• All Members and guests are required to maintain an appropriate standard of dress. As a rule of thumb, smart casual dress code applies, unless otherwise specified by the event.
• The legal drinking age is 18 years old in accordance with the NSW law.

Dietary Requirements

• 67 Pall Mall will make every effort to accommodate dietary requirements; however, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of allergens, including dairy, nuts, wheat, soy, egg and gluten. Due to the set-menu format, vegan alternatives cannot be accommodated. Guests with other dietary requirements are kindly asked to check with the Membership team prior to purchasing tickets, as advance notice is required and requests made on the day may not be possible to accommodate.

Other Notes

• On the rare occasions when the speakers become unavailable, we will endeavour to reschedule the event. However, if there is less than 72 hours notice, we will in most cases proceed as planned.