Domaine Collet - Empreinte de Terroir

With chalky notes and a hint of citrus, this is a sparkling wine perfect for an aperitif.

In the heart of the Sézanne coast, brothers Vincent, Thomas, and Florent Collet have, since the beginning of this century, breathed new life into the family estate, which comprises 15 plots located around Fontaine-Denis. The wines are well-crafted, and the Anthime line—which is aged in oak—stands out from the rest.

This brut owes everything to Chardonnay, a grape variety widely grown in the Sézanne region. Its subtle, slightly mature nose, with notes of citrus and minerality, and its smooth, fresh palate—with good length and perfectly balanced sweetness—where citrus notes blend with white fruit, leave a lasting impression of a well-structured champagne.

In the early 20th century, the Collet family sold their grapes to wine merchants. René Collet, a member of a wine cooperative, launched his own champagne in 1973. His three sons—Thomas, Vincent, and Florent—took over the business between 2001 and 2011 and decided to produce their own cuvées. They own 5 hectares of vineyards in the Sézannais region.

Dominated by Chardonnay, this cuvée offers a lively, characterful bouquet of fresh, spicy stone fruits and citrus. On the palate, it is full-bodied and creamy with velvety textures and a chalky, mineral finish. Serve as an aperitif or with a soufflé of sand sole.

Domaine Collet has a wonderful history: coming from a modest family of winegrowers and farmers in Fontaine-Denis, René Collet simply decided to launch his own brand in 1973. With the help of a large cooperative, he developed the estate by acquiring and planting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, ideally situated in the Fontaine-Denis region. The early 2000s brought changes: two of Mr. Collet’s three sons joined the company, and a new winemaking facility and barrel cellar were built.