Ludovic du Plessis, after significant tenures at renowned houses like Dom Pérignon and Louis XIII, sought an extraordinary challenge within the Champagne region. His ambition was to discover a Champagne house that embraced a full transition to 100% organic practices. This ambitious search culminated in his leadership at Telmont, a maison poised to realize his sustainable vision.
While Champagne Telmont, based in Épernay, counts Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio among its four key stakeholders, du Plessis is keen to steer the brand away from the 'celebrity brand' stereotype. He clarified that DiCaprio's involvement primarily serves to amplify the brand's profound commitment to environmental stewardship, leveraging his global platform for authentic advocacy rather than mere endorsement.
The recent London launch event proudly introduced Champagne Telmont's newest creation: the Réserve de la Terre Rosé. This exquisite wine is exclusively produced from 100% certified organic grapes, and its packaging reflects the brand's eco-conscious ethos, utilizing green glass composed of 87% recycled materials. This inaugural release is limited to a mere 5,119 bottles, highlighting its exclusivity and dedication to sustainable production.
The unveiling of the Réserve de la Terre Rosé took place at Heath Ball's Red Lion and Sun pub in Highgate, North London. Guests experienced the new rosé complemented by a curated menu that included fresh oysters, a vibrant heritage tomato and burrata salad, perfectly cooked turbot, a classic strawberries and cream dessert, and aged Comté cheese, enhancing the tasting experience.
Telmont is actively pursuing Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) and has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions. Du Plessis argues that for beverage brands, genuine progress towards net-zero goals offers far greater environmental benefits than simply purchasing carbon-neutral certifications, which he believes can be a superficial fix. His long-term commitment extends beyond immediate market pressures, aiming for a legacy that ensures Telmont's longevity for a century to come, irrespective of short-term economic or political fluctuations.
The United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the domestic French market represent Champagne Telmont's primary global markets. Du Plessis remains unfazed by potential impacts from US tariffs on EU goods, asserting that his focus transcends short-term market dynamics. His dedication is rooted in a profound desire to guarantee that Telmont Champagne continues to be enjoyed for generations, a sentiment echoed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who hails the new expression as "the taste of the future." The Réserve de la Terre Rosé is currently available for purchase at £88, while the Telmont Champagne Réserve Brut is priced at £52 and can be found at Waitrose.