Tasting Notes
This still red wine from Champagne House Collard-Picard is made with 100% Pinot Meunier, which is rather rare in the region. The grapes come from a single organically farmed plot in the Vallée de la Marne. The wine is gently aged in oak barrels to add richness and complexity, while not losing the finesse of the wine. To preserve its quality, ‘Les Louves’ is made only in very small quantities and from the very best grapes.
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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.