Champagne Collet – Brut 1er Cru Vintage – 2016

PRODUCER NOTE:
Champagne Collet with its elegant Art Deco packaging is evocative of the Belle Epoque era from when it was established. It is the oldest cooperative in Champagne, dating back to 1921. Since its inception, Collet has been creating Champagnes of character with authenticity, elegance and great finesse. Located in Aÿ, in the heart of the Champagne region, Collet represents some of the finest growers and mainly sources from vineyards which are based on Premiers and Grands Crus sites. Each cuvée reflects the diversity of the region’s terroirs and has been masterfully blended to suit gastronomic cuisine.

VINTAGE:
After a mild and very humid winter, the spring was dry and sunny, without significant frosts, with slightly warmer temperatures than normal. Budburst around April 5th, followed by flowering around 10th June. The summer was cool and rainy which slowed ripening. However, September was continental, dry, and warm; there was a north to north-east wind, bringing cool nights followed by warm, sunny days. This weather pattern was particularly helpful for maturing the grapes and resulted in great concentration of sugars, acids and flavours in the grapes. Harvesting took place from 10th September, 94 days after flowering, a classic vegetative cycle. 2016 is an excellent vintage.

VINEYARD:
A balanced blend of 12 Premiers and Grands Crus villages selected during the 2014 harvest. 60% Pinot Noir gives wine its structure, from MaillyChampagne, Tours-sur-Marne, Avenay-Val-D’Or, Verzy and Pierry bring power and elegance to the blend. 40% Chardonnay from iconic villages as Vertus and Avize, brings richness, softness and elegance. The Villers-Marmery Premier Cru completes the blend and adds a mineral dimension along with a touch of smoke.

WINEMAKING:
In order to give the wine even greater richness and complexity, the Millesime 2014 is aged for at least seven years in Collet’s centennial cellars, dug deep into the chalk.

TASTING NOTE:
An expressive initial impression of delicate gingerbread, after aeration the 2014 reveals a dynamic palate, with beautiful freshness and tension, with citrus fruit, lime and gooseberry through to a mineral, saline note on the finish.

GRAPE:
Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Champagne

SUB-REGION:
Champagne

AWARDS:
• Silver, International Wine & Spirit Challenge, 2020