Ulysse Collin

Ulysse Collin is a small grower Champagne house based in Congy, to the south of Épernay and west of Vertus.

The Collin family has a history of farming vines in the village since 1812, but the modern business was founded in 2003, when Olivier Collin regained 4.5 hectares (11 acres) of vineyards that had been rented to a negociant – small grower operations remain rare in the area. The family's remaining 4ha (10 acres) came under his control in 2005, as well as winemaking facilities and the cellar. After the 2003, harvest where frost necessitated the selling off of the crop, a single initial wine was made in 2004 – a Blanc de Blancs from the Les Perrières parcel. A Blanc de Noirs from the Les Maillons plot near Sézanne followed in 2006. The portfolio also includes a saignée rosé from the latter site, plus two more Blanc de Blancs from the Les Enfers and Les Roises parcels. All wines are Extra-Brut.

Each cuvée is parcel-specific; in addition first and second pressings for each site are vinified separately, and aged apart for at least one year before blending. Influenced by his apprenticeship with Anselme Selosse, base wines are fermented and aged in oak barrels.