Pierre Grandin
France
Pierre's Wines
- France
- 2Â wines
- 1Â style
A Champagne aficionado you won't find resting on his laurels
- Pierre officially became a winemaker back in 2012 but he's been a bit of dab with all things winemaking since the age of 12 when he would keep an eye on the cellar for his Dad. Most of his childhood memories are set against the backdrop of vines and stainless steel vats.
- Pierre is a true innovator and there's not a chance you'll find him resting on his laurels. He's always looking for new ways to bring technology together with the high-end selection of grapes from his thoroughly classy appellation, to make eye-popping Champagne that is totally out of this world.
- Pinot Meunier, one of the lesser known heroes when it comes to Champagne, is his favourite grape. Although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir tend to steal the spotlight, Pierre reckons that Meunier packs a bit of extra punch. It requires just that bit of extra technical TLC but when you have a winemaker like Pierre willing to put in the extra hours, the hard work pays off in bags of flavour.
Vineyard Location
Pierre Grandin's Story
What's your background?
I am the 10th generation of growers in my family. I have always had a passion for sciences and nature. It's because of this that I decided to study Laboratory Technical Sciences with chemistry specialisation. I then enrolled in a wine school in Burgundy to learn all the aspect of the viticulture and learn the secrets of oenology. To complete my knowledge, I finally moved to Bordeaux and graduated from a Bachelor and Master of Wine Marketing and Management at INSEEC Business School, where I met Marion.
Why did you become a winemaker?
I grew up in the countryside, in the middle of the vineyard spending my time there with my dad or with him in the cellar. As far as I can remember, I have always wanted to become a winemaker to perpetuate my family's legacy.
How long have you been making wine?
I think I have plugged in my first pipes and kept an eye on the vats, under the supervision on my dad between the age of 10 to 12. All my memories are set in the cellar, among our stainless steel vats. I have officially became a winemaker in 2012.
What is it about your job that you love?
I love every aspect of the job. I do not think I have a preference. I love the lifestyle that comes with it, adapting the job to the season, living in harmony with nature. One thing I know : I hate doing the same thing everyday.
What makes your wines special?
The typicity that I put in all my wines. Making sure to always go above and beyond on my day to day job. I like innovating and trying out new things, while respecting my identity. I am always looking for new challenges, I like to surprise my customers as much as myself.
Which varietal / style is your passion and why?
The Meunier. it has always been put in the background of the champagne appellation while the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were the stars. I've always rooted for it and made sure to use it in a way that respect nature, production, soil and the specificity of it. It is another of my challenge, its production requires a lot of technicity from growing it to making a great wine, but I want to make sure people taste its full potential in our cuvées.
Any tales of joy or sorrow along the way?
When it comes to sorrow, we have to understand that our work in related to nature. This year we have lost 70% of our production due to the climatic conditions. It's really hard to see it happening and knowing you cannot do anything. Nature has its own way.
On a more joyful note, everytime we receive an award, or a great comment from our customers, I know my work is well done and that it matters and it reflects all the love and energy and hard work I put into producing my wine, from nurturing the vines to labelling the final bottles.
Most memorable moment making wine?
My first wines made in barrels, after a few years to see that it was all worth it. I could then start trusting my instinct and gut and not be afraid to let my imagination speak.
