Champagne Collet Vintage 2008 Brut shows a bouquet of lemon, quince and brioche accompanied by scents of linden, acacia and fresh verbena, underpinned by mineral notes. Clean and fresh, opening with the zingy acidity of lemon and grapefruit through to a mineral, clean and saline mid-palate.
This is a lovely drop of Merlot, demonstrating the wine skills of the Languedoc Roussillon area. I holidayed in the region some years ago and loved their wines - great to see them this side of the world and available. Versatile, easy drinking. So good my neighbour has also bought a case after tasting mine!
As an aperitif or companion to a variety of fish, white meat or vegetarian meals including milder curries or salads, this rose works well. It is both fruity (melon, berry notes) to start and slightly acidic at the finish. It is simply pleasurable drinking at a reasonable price and has become something of a personal favourite.