Champagne Colin - Alliance Brut

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.

A harmonious blend of two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Meunier; a blend of the 2016 harvest and wines (60%) drawn from a “perpetual reserve”—in other words, a solera system—which has been partially replenished each year since 2004. The result is an expressive, elegant, and fresh brut with an aromatic profile that is as rich as it is delicate: pear, apricot, exotic fruits, vanilla, a hint of honey, butter, and hazelnut.

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.

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.

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.