Mona Elyafi

For decades, Éric Taillet has challenged Champagne's conventions, proving that Pinot Meunier is far more than a blending grape, it is one of the region's greatest expressions of terroir. In this exclusive interview, the visionary grower behind Meunier's renaissance shares his philosophy on living soils, single-parcel winemaking, and why the future of Champagne begins with listening to the land.

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.