Collet

Collet is not a classic family estate but the brand of a cooperative: Champagne Collet belongs to Cogevi, the Coopérative Générale des Vignerons in Aÿ. It is the oldest cooperative in Champagne. It was founded in 1921 on the initiative of Raoul Collet, after the growers' revolts of 1911 against fraud. The brand was originally called Champagne Raoul Collet, after its founder.

Grapes, cuvées and style

Cogevi has access to the vineyards of its members, around 900 hectares according to the Hachette wine guide. That allows it to draw on all 17 grands crus and almost all the premiers crus. The cellar master blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier. The pillars of the house are the Art Déco Brut, the signature champagne, and the prestige cuvée Esprit Couture.

Alongside these come Art Déco Extra Brut, Blanc de Blancs, Rosé Brut, Blanc de Noirs, Millésime, Aÿ Grand Cru, Origine Brut and Origine Demi-sec. The Origine Brut, the house's entry-level cuvée, brings together more than 100 crus. The name Art Déco refers to the founding years of the 1920s.

The Cité du Champagne in Aÿ

In June 2014 the Cité du Champagne Collet-Cogevi opened, a historical and cultural complex close to the grand cru sites of Aÿ. It consists of a maison, a villa and a museum. The maison tells the story of the cooperative since 1921. The villa was the home of Raoul Collet and introduces visitors to the 1920s and Art Deco. The Musée des Métiers displays more than 1,500 tools and original documents on viticulture and champagne making.

The cellars date from the 19th century, and the wine library holds more than 30,000 bottles. A circular walk leads across the slopes of Aÿ.

Visiting and tasting

It is open all year round from Tuesday to Sunday, with guided tastings from 9.30 am to 12 noon and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm. The classic tour lasts about two hours and ends with a tasting in the Bar Paquebot. One booking portal lists the visit with a tasting of two champagnes at 22 euros per adult. Prices and opening times change, so it is wise to book ahead. The address is 32 Rue Jeanson in Aÿ.