On #ChampagneDay, an interview with Gilles Morisson de la Bassetière, CEO of Champagne House de Venoge.
Today is #ChampagneDay and the new 1996 vintage of Champagne Louis XV was recently released. What are your thoughts about this bottle?
“The launch of the 1996 Louis XV was successful for many reasons. First, the unique taste of this champagne matches the highest expectations of those who appreciate the complexity of a great champagne. We defined a precise low dosage because it actually was the perfect fit with this Louis XV 1996. We believe that a great Champagne should reflect the history, the prestige and the noblesse of the champagne house where it comes from. In fact, this success does not come by chance. It is the result of a hard work in both the vineyard and the cellar over the last 20 years. This success was preceded by the international recognition of the quality of our champagne range by the best specialists in the last 10 years: In US, led by the Wine Spectator magazine which awarded 90 to 97 points to champagne of Venoge; also in Europe with an unanimous recognition from North to South of the exceptional consistency in our old vintages; and finally in Asia where wine lovers appreciate our unique style both vinous and very fresh. The success of this great champagne is a wonderful tribute to Louis XV, named “the beloved King”, who signed the certificate that created the champagne on May 25, 1728.”
On #ChampagneDay, where can we taste this champagne?
“Of course, the small amount of Louis XV bottles and the price around 120 euros and 150 euros for the Louis XV Rose 2002 naturally limit the places where you can find this champagne. The strong international demand does not allow to favor one market over another, but Champagne Louis XV 1996 is available in great restaurants as well as in some selected wine shops. France is of course an important market for Champagne de Venoge due to its historic ties with the French noblesse. Every year, royal fireworks are celebrated with champagne de Venoge and notably some bottles of Louis XV.”
Why did Champagne de Venoge wait for 15 years to introduce Louis XV 1996?
“Excellence needs time. At de Venoge, we still have the privilege to be patient. Therefore we gave enough time to this champagne to age, in our cellar, in the best conditions. Presenting 1996 a bit earlier would have been premature because this 1996 vintage is exceptional at de Venoge. A few years ago, we released our 1996 Brut vintage champagne as well as our 1996 Blanc de Blancs. Success was immediate and these two Champagne gave a unique opportunity for de Venoge style’s lovers to discover what we consider an outstanding achievement in our House. Champagne Louis XV 1996 has reached the same level of quality as the two other 1996 vintages but with an incredible complexity and a much bigger potential. Aged champagnes’ lovers can enjoy Louis XV 1996 now but may prefer to keep bottles in their private cellar for some ageing. Others will immediately enjoy the pleasure of tasting a 15 years old champagne made from our best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Few Champagne houses can now afford to learn patience. As it was the case in the past, in fact. And as it is still the case at Champagne de Venoge since 1837.”
(You can reach the writer at info@vitabella.fr)
