Tasting Notes
Exquisitely beautiful Grand Cru Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay from Mesnil sur Oger and Oger. Nose of flint and freshly baked brioche, yellow plums and semi-dried pineapple, fresh almonds and cobnuts, a touch of honey and flinty, white flower finish. The fruit is taken only from the 'heart of the cuvee', that's to say the most luxurious part of the fruit that comes from the pressing. It's excellent with sushi as an aperitif and served with a fish course.
More Info
Collard-Picard is one of the most exciting houses in Champagne today, who is definitely at the forefront of quality. Both Olivier and Caroline are from eminent Champagne families, and Olivier's grandfather Rene was a pioneer of organic farming in the region. They are what's known as an independent grower, based 15km west of Epernay. They have brilliant grand cru and 1er sites in Mesnil, where they grow Chardonnay and farm organically. It's also home to a couple of Champagne's most famous cuvees like Krug Le Mesnil and Salon Mesnil. In the Marne they have a site regarded as one of the best for Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Collard-Picard age this Champagne in wood, which is very unusual, and harks back to the more traditional way of making great Champagne in the past. They opt not to do malolactic fermentation on any of the wines to preserve their character, all yeasts are indigenous too.