Collet Champagne Brut Collection Privée 2008
The Collect Champagne Collection Privée has warm notes of saffron, vanilla and apricot complement rich aromas of brioche, walnut and a hint of smoke. A smooth, opulent wine, with finesse and astonishing length.
Producer Note - Champagne Collet is an iconic Champagne brand and 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 Premier and Grand Cru sites. Each cuvée reflects the diversity of the region's terroirs and has been masterfully blended to suit gastronomic cuisine. Vintage 2008 was initially a difficult year, with a damp spring resulting in challenging conditions in the vineyards. However a warmer and drier August and a fine, warm September helped to regain the maturation of the grapes and resulted in an excellent vintage. The Champagnes of 2008 are classically styled with a fresh scintillating acidity balanced by powerful flavour concentration. Vineyard The Chardonnay came from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs: imparting softness from Oger and Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger, richness of Avize and elegance from Chouilly and Cramant. The Pinot Noir contributes richness and opulence from iconic Grands Crus such as Aÿ, Louvois, Mailly-Champagne, Verzy and Verzenay. The two Premiers Crus of Hautvillers and Tauxières-Mutry finish off this extraordinary blend.
Winemaking - For the Collection Privée cuvée, the must was fermented in French oak from local forests in the Champagne region. Following the alcoholic fermentation, 64% of the wine was aged in small oak barrels, also originating from Champagne forests; prior to being blended. This cuvée was bottle aged for a minimum of seven years in the very heart of the historic limestone cellars, which are centuries old.
Tasting Note - An enchanting golden colour with a persistent effervescence. Warm, comforting notes of saffron, vanilla and apricot complement rich aromas of brioche, walnut and an intriguing hint of smoke. The intense expression of ripe fruit is characteristic of the warm, sunny 2006 vintage. A smooth, opulent wine, showing finesse and astonishing length.
Serving Suggestion Truffles, game or aged Comté cheese.
Grape Chardonnay 60%, Pinot Noir 40%
Winemaker: Sebastien Walasiak
Region: Champagne Sub region: Champagne Country: France
Alcohol: 12.5%
Dry/Sweetvalue: 2 (1 is dry, 7 is very sweet)
Residual Sugar: 6
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic/Biodynamic No/No
