Mona Elyafi

Few figures embody the spirit of Ambonnay like Eric Rodez. A steward of his family's estate since 1757, he has redefined Grand Cru Champagne through a deep commitment to terroir, masterful blending, and thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking. I had the pleasure of meeting Eric during Le Printemps des Champagnes this past April, where our conversation offered a fascinating look into the philosophy of one of Champagne's most distinctive vignerons.

In the Premier Cru village of Chigny-les-Roses, Arnaud Gounel-Lassalle is crafting terroir-driven Champagnes that challenge traditional luxury codes. Since becoming an independent grower-producer in 2017, he has focused on parcel-by-parcel winemaking, revealing the unique character of the region’s chalk-rich soils. Rooted in family heritage and guided by a philosophy of transparency and stewardship, his wines showcase Champagne as a serious, expressive wine of place and gastronomy.

Champagne Nominé-Renard embodies a rare balance in Champagne today: family tradition, terroir-driven winemaking, and a quiet pursuit of elegance and authenticity. After meeting Peggy and Rémi Nominé during Le Printemps des Champagnes, I sat down with them to explore the history, philosophy, and human spirit behind this remarkable grower-producer and founding member of Club Trésors de Champagne.