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Champagne Bollinger welcomes 2019 medal winner to visit house in Aÿ
Madame Bollinger Medal winner Christine Marsiglio MW was finally able to accept part of her prize last month with a trip to the House of Bollinger in Champagne, following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
On 4 April 2022, Champagne Bollinger welcomed the 2019 Institute of Masters of Wine Madame Bollinger Medal winner, Christine Marsiglio MW, to the House in Aÿ in Champagne.
The visit was hosted by Etienne Bizot, president of the Bollinger Family Group (SJB) and chairman of the Madame Bollinger Foundation, and Andrew Hawes, managing director of Mentzendorff and secretary of the Foundation.
The trip to the House of Bollinger – which is closed to the public – has historically been an important part of the Medal winner’s prize.
Medal winners and their families are invited to explore vineyards, history and production methods behind the Bollinger cuvées.
The visit was followed by a lunch accompanied by a tasting of several rare cuvées and the official presentation by Etienne Bizot of the Madame Bollinger Medal.
Marsiglio is a Canadian residing in London. She was awarded the Madame Bollinger Medal for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical examinations in 2019.
Marsiglio was also awarded the Taransaud Tonnellerie Award for her knowledge in the production and handling of wine theory paper.
She currently holds a role as head wine educator and resident Master of Wine at Folly Enterprises, the group behind Wine Folly and Global Wine Database brands.
Marsiglio called the experience a “great honour”. She said: “It was a truly exceptional day, where I learned so much. I’m very grateful that Bollinger supports the IMW in this way, always encouraging students to strive to be their best with this award. It’s a great reflection on how Bollinger continues today, in everything they do, to be the best.
The 2021 Madame Bollinger Medal was awarded to Álvaro Ribalta MW, announced earlier this year. Read more on that here.