Champagne Liébart-Régnier – Perfect for savouring and sharing Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Champagne Liébart-Régnier – Perfect for savouring and sharing SHARE Interview with Tarryn Vincent, Sales Director, Reciprocal Wine Company You’ve recently returned from a visit to the Maison? Yes, I had the amazing privilege of visiting the family on the estate in the Vallée de la Marne in June this year. The family owns 11 ha of vineyards which span both banks of the Marne. This is a family affair and without wanting to sound cliched, they make everyone feel like a part of the family. I was welcomed with a full tasting experience and a delicious soufflé lunch in the garden cooked by Valérie Liébart. I got to see firsthand the passion, craftsmanship and care that goes into protecting a seven-generation legacy, but I also saw the challenges of a small family-run farm and staying true to organic principles. Champagne is a premium product that demands its pound of flesh to produce. Their daughter Alexandra had just had a baby and I was struck by the responsibility they all feel to pass on the legacy to the next generation. It’s all about the land, sustainability and preserving a way of life. In fact, Alexandra had missed taking part in the harvest for the first time because she was pregnant, she is in all the other photographs of each harvest! What stands out most about Champagne Liébart-Régnier? They are still cultivating the “forgotten Champagne grapes”. All seven varieties that make the Champagne Appellation, (Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and to a lesser extent the ancestral varieties of Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris) are grown in small separate vineyards. It’s remarkable to see the difference in the vines. This diversity of grape varieties, combined with the terroir, offers a broad aromatic spectrum for their extraordinary blends but also for some truly unique single varietal Champagnes, such as the Sur le Grand Marais, a first-class 100% Pinot Meunier from a single plot in Baslieux Sous Chatillon. The tree on the label is the lone tree overseeing that parcel of land. Sustainability appears to be a strong value for the House? Yes. They have achieved Level 3 of the HVE (French High Environmental Value certification) for biodiversity and the VDC (Viticulture Durable en Champagne). They obtained the Champagne region’s Sustainable Viticulture certification in 2018. This is an official recognition of winegrowers’ environmental efforts in three areas: their biodiversity footprint, carbon footprint and water footprint. This commitment to biodiversity and organic methods can result in a loss of half their production. This is a remarkable achievement for a small House when only 2% of the Champagne region is certified organic. So traditional methods are a key part of the vinification process? Paying respect to the land and honouring the tradition and art of Champagne making is a core philosophy. They vinify the individual parcels in thermoregulation vats and oak casks, and work with an independent wine advisor to use minimum additives. Which is your favourite? Ah, the Hortï is special. It’s referred to as a rare gem and I can attest to that! It’s an exceptional blend of Petit Meslier, Arbane and Pinot Blanc. I was also truly impressed by the elegance of the Rosé, which is unusually dark, being a blend of Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay. They have an impressive range that will appeal to the connoisseur. Liébart-Régnier – Discover authentic Champagne https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles CHAMPAGNE Timeless Elegance: De Venoge Champagne As we raise our glasses to celebrate the festive season, it seems fitting to delve into the world of a renowned Champagne house that has stood the test of time with grace and sophistication. De Venoge stands for excellence, heritage, and nearly two centuries of crafting fine Champagne. Read more CHAMPAGNE Champagne Boizel – “One family, one house, one tradition” Interview with David Rieu, Export Manager Champagne Boizel. Welcome to a rainy Johannesburg! I believe you have just got off the plane from France? Read more CHAMPAGNE Champagne Pol Roger – the most British of Champagnes Interview with Derek Kilpin, Managing Director – Great Domaines Read more The Champagne in Africa team support enjoying life and the responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not for persons under the age of 18. Please remember to drink responsibly.
