Ulysse Collin 'Les Maillons' Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut 750ml

Ulysse Collin is a boutique Champagne house in Congy, south of Épernay and west of Vertus. The Collin family's viticulture history dates back to 1812, but the current venture began in 2003 when Olivier Collin reclaimed 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of vineyards from a negociant. By 2005, he had also taken over the remaining 4 hectares (10 acres), along with the winemaking facilities and cellar. After frost in 2003 forced the sale of that year's crop, the first wine—a Blanc de Blancs from the Les Perrières parcel—was produced in 2004. A Blanc de Noirs from the Les Maillons plot near Sézanne followed in 2006. The collection now includes a saignée rosé from the same plot and two more Blanc de Blancs from the Les Enfers and Les Roises parcels, all Extra-Brut. Each cuvée is specific to its parcel, with first and second pressings vinified separately and aged for at least one year before blending. Influenced by his apprenticeship with Anselme Selosse, base wines are fermented and aged in oak barrels.