Ulysse Collin

Why we follow Ulysse Collin

The estate

A cult grower, or récoltant-manipulant, founded in 2003 by Olivier Collin in Congy, in the Coteaux du Petit Morin south of the Côte des Blancs. The family had grown vines since 1812 but leased them to Pommery from 1987. Collin, a trained lawyer, negotiated back 4.5 hectares in 2003 and a further 4.2 in 2005, along with the historic Coquard press and cellar. A six-week stage with Anselme Selosse shaped his terroir-first, Burgundian approach.

The vineyards

Around 8.7 hectares owned, of which roughly 5.3 are vinified, the rest sold off. The focus is single-vineyard: Les Pierrières, a Chardonnay monopole of about 1.2 hectares; Les Roises, from 60 to 75-year-old vines in Congy; Les Enfers; Les Maillons, Pinot Noir on iron-rich clay in the Sézannais, also made as a rosé de saignée; and the newer Le Jardin d'Ulysse. Clay, silex and chalk soils.

In the glass

Hand-harvest, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in second and third-use Burgundy barrels, extended lees ageing, no fining or filtration, and very low dosage at one to two grams per litre. One of the clearest examples of the Burgundy-with-bubbles grower movement that Selosse inspired. Collin releases exclusively single-vineyard cuvées, which is almost unique in Champagne.

With Lamont’s

Offered through the Private Cellar Selection, generally following the January release. Register your interest and we will contact you when the next allocation is confirmed.