Domaine Collet - Anthime Héritage

Hints of candied fruit and spices; on the palate, it’s both lingering and has just the right amount of vinous intensity.

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.

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.

The nose is both classic and very charming. It reveals notes of sea salt and toasted bread, led by juicy pears. The palate is rich, enveloping, and full-bodied thanks to its time in oak. A lively freshness provides a nice structure to the finish.

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.