It all started in Lyon.

A young and enterprising Charles Colcombet decided to set up a ribbon manufacturing factory which later paved way for silk. That’s how he went on to establish Bucol (with Claude Buchet) in 1924. But it is under his son - Hilaire Colcombet’s creative and watchful eye that Bucol became synonymous with some of the most influential couturiers such as Hubert de Givenchy and Yves Saint Laurent.

With fabrics highly prized by haute couture, their inventive streak was found in the many creations of Coco Chanel (a personal friend of Charles Colcombet), Balenciaga, Dior, Balmain, and many others. With his father’s love for the finer things in life and his grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit, Henri Colcombet also developed a deep appreciation for quality.  

But it’s in New York that he got to learn a trade or two. The cosmopolitan way of life, the colours of high fashion - from Oscar de la Renta to Ralph Lauren to the Queen of England, he’s very much at home with the major coutures of our time. 

Today Bucol is owned by one of the most admired luxury brands, Hermès - under the 400 year old Holding Textile Hermès.

He noticed that - over the past 10 years, the champagne market had been largely driven by a few dominant brands yet all sharing a very similar brut style. And having attended many events, the champagnes very rarely live up to his expectations.  

That’s when Henri and his wife, Martine went in search for a better source. Finally, they landed in the region of Marne Valley, 17 km west of Epernay - where they finally found one that’s quite unlike any they’ve tasted. 

They’re convinced that the quality of a champagne is the fruit of careful work with total respect for the vineyard.

It’s the focus on sustainable viticulture that yields a perfect quality grape, producing a refined and unique aromatic expression. But apart from access to the best grapes picked at optimum maturity, it’s also the use of a relatively high proportion of reserve wine – with a difference you can taste.