Racines pays tribute to René Collard, Olivier Collard’s grandfather and a true pioneer in growing and vinifying Meunier, and this cuvée is made entirely from that long-underrated grape, drawn from the clay-limestone soils of the family’s three historic villages of Villers-sous-Châtillon, Reuil and Binson-et-Orquigny. Vinified in large oak barrels on fine lees and aged for at least seven years in bottle, it pours a deep gold and offers an appealing nose of dried fruit. The palate is dynamic from the first sip, taut, tangy and fresh, building to a finish with a subtle saline edge that gives the wine real personality. It is a Meunier with a clear sense of identity, showing all the nobility of the variety along with the structure and complexity to age gracefully.