The Terroir Tapes

In this episode we visit Alice Tetienne of Champagne Henriot in a beautiful mansion in Pierry on the outskirts of Epernay. Alice is both the cellarmaster and in charge of the viticulture, join us for a talk about the challenges from the climate, initiatives to be greener and the story of Henriot. 

In this episode, I visit François Huré of Champagne Huré Frères in Ludes. Ludes is our focus, and we explore the village's diversity firsthand by visiting three specific parcels that represent three out of the four distinct sectors in Ludes. The other theme of this episode is change or specifically the shifting climate in Champagne. This leads into a discussion on how they have adapted their appro...

In this episode, we visit Emilien Boutillat, Chef de Caves for Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne. Together we explore the style of Piper-Heidsieck, with a focus on freshness, balance, and the evolving role of Meunier in a changing climate. Emilien also gives insight into Rare Champagne and its origins, including a tasting of vin clairs from Villers-Marmery, one of the key villages behind Rare. Th...

In this episode, we visit Pierre Larmandier of Champagne Larmandier-Bernier in Vertus. Pierre is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, as well as in single-vineyard Champagne. We talk about the state of champagne when he took over and how his viticulture and winemaking has evolved.

In this episode, we sit down in Ambonnay with Benoît Marguet, fifth-generation grower and tireless voice for biodynamic Champagne. Our conversation begins with his family and the roots of the estate, before moving into the vineyards of Ambonnay and Bouzy — where respect for life, soil, and rhythm defines every decision. In the cellar, Benoît shares his thoughtful approach to fermentation, ageing,...

In this episode, we visit Bertrand Gautherot of Champagne Vouette et Sorbée in Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube region of Champagne. With Bertrand, we walk through the Vouette and Sorbée vineyards to explore the striking geological contrast between Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils. Along the way, Bertrand shares insights into biodynamic farming and explains how the soil has changed through years o...

In this episode we visit Denis Bunner at Champagne Bollinger in Aÿ in the Grand Valle de Marne. With Denis we explorer the style of Champagne Bollinger and especially focus on the vineyard of La cote aux Enfants that produces both a Coteaux Champenois and a Champagne. The interview continues in the vineyard where the difference between the two sides are explained. I hope you will enjoy this episod...