Q) What drew you to Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte, and what is the most exciting thing in your role as an Export Director?

What drew me to Champagne Salon and Champagne Delamotte was their unique place in the world of Champagne. These are two houses with remarkable histories, deeply rooted in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and united by an unwavering commitment to excellence. Salon is one of the most singular wines in the world, while Delamotte combines elegance, accessibility and authenticity. Being part of a team that protects and promotes such a heritage is both a privilege and a responsibility. The most exciting aspect of my role as Export Director is sharing these wines and their stories with people around the world. Every market has its own way of understanding and appreciating wine. Building those relationships and seeing people connect emotionally with our wines is incredibly rewarding.

Q) How does your terroir, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, express itself in the wines and shape their character?

Le Mesnil-sur-Oger is one of the great Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs and is renowned for producing Chardonnay with exceptional precision and longevity. The chalk-rich soils provide remarkable freshness, tension and minerality, while also allowing the vines to withstand climatic variations.
In our wines, Le Mesnil expresses itself through purity, energy with a distinctive saline character. There is always a sense of structure and elegance, but also great ageing potential. It is a terroir that speaks quietly but with extraordinary clarity.

Q) Champagne Delamotte is renowned for its Chardonnay – what is it about your vineyards and approach that allows this grape to express itself so distinctively?

Everything begins with the vineyards. Our fruit comes from some of the finest Chardonnay sites in the Côte des Blancs, especially the Grand Cru villages. These chalk soils are ideal for expressing Chardonnay’s finesse and precision. Our philosophy is to accompany the grape rather than impose ourselves upon it. We seek balance, freshness and a sense of transparency. The objective is not to create a style through intervention, but to allow the vineyard and the vintage to shine through. That respect for the fruit is what gives Delamotte Chardonnay its distinctive elegance and purity.

Q) How do you foresee the future of the Champagne appellation, and what are the opportunities ahead of you?

Champagne has always demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt while remaining faithful to its identity. Climate change, evolving consumer preferences and shifting global markets all present challenges, but they also create opportunities. I believe the future will belong to producers who continue to prioritise quality, and authenticity while committing to sustainable practices. Consumers increasingly want to understand where wines come from and the people behind them. Champagne has an incredible story to tell, and our opportunity lies in telling that story with honesty and conviction.

Q) What are your favourite food pairings with your wines? Name a few.

Champagne is one of the most versatile wines at the table. Delamotte Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters, raw fish, scallops and other fresh seafood. Its freshness and mineral character complement delicate flavours perfectly. Delamotte Brut is especially versatile and works with roast chicken, aged cheeses and even dishes with a gentle touch of spice. Salon is a gastronomic wine. Some of my favourite pairings include lobster, turbot, langoustine and dishes featuring truffle. The complexity and depth of Salon allow it to accompany some truly memorable culinary experiences.

Q) What’s one moment in the winemaking year that you particularly look forward to, and why?

Harvest is undoubtedly the moment I look forward to most. It is the culmination of an entire year’s work in the vineyard and the beginning of a new chapter for the vintage. There is a unique energy in Champagne during harvest. Everyone shares the same focus and excitement, and each day brings discoveries. It is the moment when potential becomes reality.

Q) If you had to pick one, what would be the most memorable moment you had with Delamotte & Salon?

One of my most memorable moments was tasting an older vintage of Salon alongside people who had followed the house for decades. Seeing how the wine had evolved and seeing the emotion it inspired around the table was extraordinary. Moments like that remind you that great wines are not simply products; they create connections and carry memories over many generations.

Q) When you’re not in Champagne or travelling for work, how do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants and travelling whenever possible. I am naturally curious, so I enjoy exploring different cultures, cuisines and wine regions. I also appreciate simple moments, good food, good company and a great bottle shared around a table.

Q) What is your favourite Delamotte vintage? Salon one? And why?

For Delamotte, I have a soft spot for Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014. It has freshness and precision, but also a lovely sense of balance, and is already beginning to show real complexity. For Salon, I would choose the 2008 vintage. It embodies everything that makes Salon unique: incredible purity, tension, energy and extraordinary ageing potential. It is a wine of immense precision that will continue to evolve beautifully for decades.

Q) What would be your desert island wine?

If I had to choose just one wine for a desert island, it would be Delamotte Blanc de Blancs. It captures everything I love about Champagne: purity, freshness, elegance and remarkable versatility. It is a wine that can be enjoyed on its own, yet also shines at the table. Most importantly, it is a wine that never ceases to give pleasure, whether you are opening it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a quiet moment. For me, it represents the timeless spirit of Delamotte.

Q) What would we find in your wine rack or fridge apart from Champagne?

While Champagne will always be my first love, I enjoy discovering and sharing wines from other great regions. You would certainly find a few bottles of Burgundy from friends who are producers there, wines that, like Champagne, express their terroir with precision and authenticity.
I also enjoy having a selection of Spanish wines, particularly from Rioja Alta, whose elegance, complexity and ageing potential I greatly admire. And, of course, some Argentinian wines, especially those that combine freshness and balance with the unique character of their high-altitude vineyards.
Beyond wine, I always keep a few essentials for a well-made Negroni in the fridge, alongside sparkling water.