75cl
Champagne Ulysse Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Disgorged 2016
Vendor code : 1533
Tasting Ulysse Collin is always a memorable experience. The wines directed by Olivier Collin are crafted in a terroir-driven, vinous style with minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar. For those not yet familiar with these wines, Olivier draws inspiration from Burgundy's Côte d'Or and Anselme Selosse, directly influencing the style of this Champagne House. We highly recommend this address. The average production is 50,000 bottles per year.
Color
White
Country
France
Region
Champagne
Grape
Pinot Noir
Vintage
2012
Producer
Champagne Ulysse Collin
The Les Maillons NV (2012) from Ulysse Collin showcases a delicate, elegant profile, standing out in a year known for more robust wines. Crafted in a lifted and translucent style, this champagne highlights red-toned Pinot Noir fruit, complemented by floral and spice undertones that add depth and intrigue. Notably, this release marks the first time a portion of the wine was aged in foudre, enriching its character. The 2012 base comprises 80% of the blend, rounded out by 20% reserve wines. The wine, disgorged in February 2016, has a dosage of 2.4 grams per liter, emphasizing its vinous, pure expression—a testament to Ulysse Collin’s minimal intervention philosophy in both the vineyard and cellar. The 2012 harvest, regarded as one of Champagne's best in a decade, contributes to the wine's exceptional quality.
Ulysse Collin, under the leadership of Olivier Collin, is distinguished not only by its remote location in Congy but also by its unwavering commitment to expressing terroir. The journey to the domaine, more than an hour from Reims, takes you through the Montagne de Reims, past the heart of Épernay, and along the renowned villages of the Côte des Blancs, culminating in the mixed farming landscape of the Coteaux du Morin. Olivier Collin, now Chef de Cave, discovered his passion for winemaking in Burgundy. His year of studying law while interning with the legendary Anselme Selosse ignited his ambition to reclaim and elevate the family estate. Today, Ulysse Collin is known for its dedication to single-vineyard champagnes made from naturally farmed fruit. Though an attempt at full organic farming in 2012 was thwarted by powdery mildew, leading to significant crop loss, Collin now practices “pragmatic organic” farming, with about 70% of the vineyard cultivated organically but without certification. Harvesting at Ulysse Collin focuses on a balanced yield to achieve optimal ripeness and concentration, maintaining acidity around 7 g/l and a low pH of approximately 3.05. Collin owns 2.5 hectares of the six-hectare Les Maillons parcel in Barbonne-Fayel, planted entirely with Pinot Noir on east-facing slopes. The soils, rich in clay and iron over chalk, play a significant role in defining the wine’s character, with Collin noting the influence of coccoliths in the soft chalk. The vines, averaging 50 years of age, contribute to the depth and complexity that have become hallmarks of his champagnes.
Reviews from critics
92/100
2 points
95-100
0
90-94
2
85-89
0
80-84
0
75-79
0
0-74
0
Vinous
Wine Advocate