René Collard was one of the legendary Champagne makers of Reuil and Damery until his death in 2009. He was just 23 when his father, a grape grower, gave René his own small vineyard. René made his first Champagne in 1943 and by the time of his death owned 18 acres. Throughout the second half of the 20th century his traditional Champagnes were much admired. The label no longer exists, although his grand-son Olivier Collard and Olivier’s wife Caroline Picard have continued the family Champagne-making tradition by starting their own Champagne house, Champagne Collard-Picard.