Ulysse Collin's home is in the village of Congy in the Coteaux du Petit Morin, 30 kms south-west of Epernay. The business is managed by the talented head of the business Olivier Collin. The principles of singularity and expressing terroir are nowadays the signatures of his estate Olivier produces exclusively single-vineyard champagnes made from naturally farmed fruit using sustainable farming practices.

His work in the cellar is similarly straightforward, with an emphasis on minimal interference. He uses native yeasts and as little sulphur as possible (the aim is 50–65 mg/l), and the wines are topped off with minimal dosage (a maximum of 2.4 g/l) and bottled at a lower pressure than most. All of his base wines come into contact with oak and the reserve wines are aged in barrels and casks. Each cuvée is disgorged twice a year, the perfect time being mid-February, “when it is cool and there is less oxidation risk” and before “temperatures and workloads in the vineyard increase.”

Les Pierrieres a 1.2 hectare vineyard in the coteaux du Petit Morin, with chalk laden soils interspersed with big flints and planted to just Chardonnay. In Les Pierrières vineyard the topsoil is only 10-15 cm, meaning the vine roots are embedded deep in to the chalk, not dissimilar to the conditions in the famous Côte des Blancs region which is only 18 kms to the north. The still wines undergo partial malolactic fermentation, so Olivier is able to maintain that balance of richness while maintaining mineral structure and freshness. A true collectors champagne and a must have experience.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: Single vineyard Les Pierrieres, Coteaux du Petit Morin
Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Base Vintage: 2016 40% and 60% 2015
Lees Ageing: 3 years
Disgorged: March 2020
Dosage: 1.7 g/l
Drink: Now for 10+ years

Tasting Note: A light golden hue, with tropical notes of pineapple and citrus on the nose, a complex palate, smokey, underlying chalky texture and toasty notes. A smooth mouthfeel with a buttery finish.