12.5% abv, Cogevi, Aÿ, imported by Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA. Cork closure: composite. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
Winemaking note: The grapes are gently pressed at stations in each vineyard within one hour of being hand harvested so that the clarity of the must is not compromised. Next, an indigenous, natural primary fermentation takes place at the winery. Sebastien blends the resulting base wines of the classic Champagne varieties from hundreds of individual vineyards and several vintages – vital, because blending is the ultimate art of Champagne and is the key to maintaining Champagne Collet’s incomparable house style. The cuvées are bottled with a bit of sugar and yeast for the second fermentation, or ‘prise de mousse.’ After disgorgement, the bottles are aged far beyond the minimum requirement in the winery’s 100-year-old chalk cellars resulting in softer wines needing less dosage. Some cuvées are matured in barrels from oaks grown in the appellation.
Tasting note: the Collet Champagne is pale gold in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas of lilac, marzipan, red currant, lemon curd and toast. On the palate this wine is off dry with high acid, light body medium alcohol, medium flavor intensity with flavors of tart cherry, currant leaf, lemon, apple, almond paste, toasted bread and citrus blossom. Drink now, this is acceptable: 8.4/10.
