Prime Bond: Bollinger Champagne’s latest 007 affair

While he may be famous for his somewhat unconventional martini order, on the silver screen 007 actually spends more time drinking champers. Bollinger – as the official James Bond champagne – recently released two limited-edition wines inspired by the iconic spy film franchise.

The first commemorates the sparkling 40-year partnership between Bollinger and Bond – which dates back to 1979, the same year that Moonraker first hit cinemas. The Bollinger Tribute to Moonraker Luxury Limited Edition consists of a magnum of the 2007 vintage encased in a handcrafted wood and pewter veneer case, as designed by Eric Berthes in reference to Ken Adams’ iconic Moonraker space shuttle. A Saint Louis crystal ice bucket also features.

Such a special edition warranted a suitably lavish launch party, which took place at the elegant environs of the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris (we didn’t need to be asked twice). Swathes of black-tie-clad guests sauntered down the red carpet at the entrance – not before taking an obligatory selfie with iconic James Bond car, the Aston Martin DB5, which sat pride of place outside the building – before indulging in a flute or three of Bollinger fizz. Stakes were high, as guests were encouraged to take their chances on the blackjack table before hitting the dance floor, while the grand unveiling of the Bollinger Tribute to Moonraker warranted a flurry of smartphone snaps.

Back to the present. As any fan knows, April 2020 marks the release of the much-anticipated 25th Bond flick, No Time to Die. To celebrate, the champagne house’s new Bond-inspired launch – the Bollinger 007 Millésime 2011 – takes the form of a 2011 vintage in a jet-black 75cl bottle. This comes in a wood-and-glass box decorated with the number “25”, the numerals of which are formed from the titles of the previous 24 films. The wine itself is rather special, made from 100% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru village of Aÿ, the birthplace of Bollinger.

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