Champagne Colin - 1er Cru Blanche de Castille Brut Blanc de Blancs

Most of the 11-hectare estate is located in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, in Vertus, Bergères-les-Vertus, and Cuis—all classified as Premier Cru—as well as in Cramant and Oiry, classified as Grand Cru, and in Sézanne. The rest of the vineyard, which is more remote, is located in Venteuil, in the Marne Valley, and in Dormans.

The first in the family was growing grapes in 1829. In the 1990s, the Colin brothers—Richard and Romain—left the cooperative to launch their own champagne. They own 11 hectares of vineyards, located primarily in the Côte des Blancs, with plots in the Sézannais region and the Marne Valley.

This is the perfect welcome champagne to keep within easy reach. The fine bubbles hint at an elegant champagne, a impression confirmed by the nose with notes of exotic fruits (mango, passion fruit) against a subtle backdrop of mild spices and Pithiviers pastries. It has a lovely, lingering finish with floral and acacia honey notes.

Here in Vertus, winemaking has been passed down from father to son since 1829, and yet it was the women who founded the vineyard, which is now run by Richard and Romain Colin. They manage a 10-hectare vineyard located in the Premier Cru and Grand Cru areas of the Côte des Blancs. Their passion for vines and wine began with Geneviève Prieur and Marie Louise Radet, their grandmothers, who had both inherited vineyards from their parents.

This wine, with its delicate texture, comes from the southeastern tip of the Côte des Blancs. With its creamy texture and flavors of ripe apple, it is immediately appealing and ready to drink.

Here is a relatively low-key house in the Côte des Blancs where two brothers produce cuvées of exceptional quality, characterized by the distinct character of their terroir. A wonderful discovery. As the holidays approach, it’s always the same question: Which champagne should you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style? Some will turn to the major Houses, while others will venture further into the world of independent winemakers. But the selection here is vast, and it’s not always easy to navigate. Aside from the big names—whose wines are often hard to find (and especially at what price)—many passionate winemakers offer exceptional vintages that deliver wonderful tasting experiences. Among them are the Colin brothers, Richard and Romain, who in 1997 took the family business—which has owned vineyards since… 1829!—in an unprecedented new direction. Until then, like many of their neighbors, six successive generations of winegrowers had supplied high-quality grapes to the local cooperatives in Vertus and Bergères-lès-Vertus, south of the Côte des Blancs. But then, the desire to produce their own cuvées led them to break away from that system and become independent winemakers. It was a wise decision, as their range displays remarkable consistency, featuring champagnes that are well-defined, balanced, and truly evocative.