Tasting Notes
Absolutely stunning as always, this marvellous Pinot Meunier-based Champagne made in homage to Olivier's late grandfather, Rene Collard, who was famous for making beautiful age-worthy Pinot Meunier. Mouth filling, white peach, dulce de leche and hazelnut - gloriously hedonistic and luxurious, with this chalky dryness and a lifted salty finish. One for the cool grower champagne fiends!
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, and all yeasts are indigenous too.