From WS contributor Isadora:

Live and Let Bollie

Bollinger - affectionately known as “Bollie” - is my favorite champagne.

Once you taste those dry, subtle bubbles, it’s hard to drink anything else in this price range.

The British have loved Bollie for centuries. Queen Victoria granted Bollinger the first Royal Warrant ever awarded to a Champagne house back in 1884.

Royalty approved.

So was 007.

In Ian Fleming’s novels, Bond drank plenty of champagne - Taittinger, Krug, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery Rosé.

But in Diamonds Are Forever (1956), Fleming has Bond drinking Bollinger - aboard the Queen Elizabeth, no less - served with four slivers of steak-on-toast canapés and a small bowl of sauce.

The bottle made its on-screen Bond debut in Live and Let Die in 1973.

Then came a handshake over lunch between Christian Bizot, fifth-generation president of Bollinger, and legendary Bond producer Cubby Broccoli. By 1979, it was official: Bollinger was Bond’s champagne - from Moonraker onward.

It’s been my go-to ever since I discovered it. And when I’m in New York, there’s one special place to drink it.

Balthazar, of course. 🥂

Images

* Lead-In Photo - Bollinger / Official Site

* Bollinger Goldeneye Ad - Bollinger with imaging by Heritage Auctions