Collin Guillaume

Six generations between Ludes and Sillery

The Collin-Guillaume house is based at 3 Rue de la Vesle in Sillery, on the Montagne de Reims. By the family's own account, its history goes back to around 1850, when the Jupin-Collin family cultivated vines in Ludes. The Guide Hachette, by contrast, gives 1864 as the year the domaine was founded in Sillery and counts six generations up to Didier Collin. The family was active in the profession's affairs across the generations: grandfather Roland was one of the founders of the Ludes growers' cooperative in 1945, and father Louis left the vine prunings lying in the vineyard to feed the vines. Didier returned to the estate in 1971 and chaired the Ludes cooperative for 21 years.

Three terroirs and old grape varieties

Together with his wife Dominique, Didier expanded the estate: the enlargement of the appellation brought parcels near Vitry-le-François and in the Aube, where his father-in-law Henri Guillaume, a well-known vine nurseryman, owned some plots. The vineyard area is given differently depending on the source: the Guide Hachette 2014 mentions 8 hectares, while the estate itself speaks of 8.5 hectares.

“By the family's own account, its history goes back to around 1850, when the Jupin-Collin family cultivated vines in Ludes.

Alongside Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay, the vineyard also holds Arbane and Petit Meslier, two old white varieties that the estate deliberately keeps alive. The viticulture is described as viticulture raisonnée, that is, considered, environmentally gentle farming without organic certification. Harvesting is by hand. According to the grower, respect for the soils, beneficial insects and wildlife serves to emphasise the character of each terroir.

Cuvées, visits and tasting

The wines are made in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks; the whites go through malolactic fermentation and are filtered but not fined. The range includes Brut, Rosé, Demi-Sec, Brut Nature, Blanc de Blancs and the Grande Cuvée Millésimé. The Guide Hachette 2011 described the Brut as a blend of all three grape varieties with 60 per cent black grapes, prized for its notes of butter and brioche as well as for its freshness and balance.

Visitors are welcome: cellar tours, tastings and direct sales from the estate are all possible. According to a trade directory, the house is open Monday to Friday from 9 to 12 and from 1.30 to 5.30 pm. It is best to book ahead on +33 3 26 49 16 75.