You are about to launch some new wines into the market - what do you have planned?
We are indeed launching our new “La Réserve” collection. We have re-named our signature NV Brut “La Réserve” and we are introducing the very first Zero Dosage cuvée produced by Champagne Palmer, La Réserve Nature. As a range, “La Réserve” is built on a notion of perpetuity and highlights our house’s expertise in blending and managing reserve wines.
Champagne Palmer wants to shine the light on the skill of blending and ageing Champagnes with its new Réserve Collection
In the spirit of a perpetual reserve, the reserve wines are composed of previous blends of La Réserve, and future reserve wines will contain part of the current blend. By carrying the same threads of Champagne DNA over from wine to wine, we achieve a wonderful stylistic consistency, but also great complexity at the same time.
It can sometimes be difficult to strike the right balance between power, freshness and elegance, but the steadying hand of our gifted cellar master Xavier Berdin can achieve that. Thus, the collection “La Réserve” (La Réserve, La Réserve Nature, Rosé Solera and La Réserve Demi-Sec) is composed of wines that are truly, perpetually Palmer & Co.
Why is the time right for this zero dosage launch?
We want to introduce it during the summer which we've been waiting for so long this year.
But to be honest, there is no one ideal season for La Réserve Nature. The founding idea of our first Brut Nature is to create an intense, pure and racy wine that would extend La Réserve, the House’s timeless signature, towards a more mature palate while preserving its beautiful energy and balance.
The Collection includes Champagne Palmer's first zero dosage Champagne
As with every Palmer & Co creation, time is at the heart of the subtle equation between the freshness and fullness of the great terroirs of the Montagne de Reims, and the art of blending. La Réserve Nature ages six years on its lees for the wine to reveal its full range of aromas, with delicious notes of citrus fruit, brioche and toasted almonds.
Who do you see as the target audience or key customers for these wines?
Primarily wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs: wine lovers, sommeliers, and connoisseurs often seek out Brut Nature Champagnes for their purity and their ability to express the natural characteristics of the terroirs more fully. This category is increasingly popular in the United Kingdom, this is the case in the major historic Champagne markets, which are mature markets with a very high level of knowledge of Champagne wines.
How are you going to support them in the trade with customers?
“La Réserve” Collection represents a fantastic opportunity to offer these wines by the glass to a discerning clientele. It's the best way to bring the Palmer signature to a wider audience. And we will also be working with chefs on food and Champagne pairings to make these Grands Vins de Champagne shine with the finest dishes.
How do you see the wider Champagne market and the current opportunities there are?
Although the market is facing challenges at the moment, we can clearly feel that there are some very good opportunities for growth in the fine dining sector, or in establishments that are looking to offer their customers more exclusive gems rather than famous labels.
What do you see as those big challenges and how are you over coming them?
Champagne Palmer's Rémi Vervier says the category is facing both challenges around the world but also opportunities in major markets like the UK and US and growth areas such as Japan
The rise in popularity of Prosecco and other sparkling wines compared to Champagne is often seen as a threat from certain perspectives, but it can also be viewed from different angles. The rise of Prosecco is not necessarily a threat to Champagne, but rather a sign of evolving consumer preferences. Champagne producers can see this as an opportunity to reinforce their ultra-premium positioning and innovate to attract a diverse clientele. Both beverages can coexist and thrive by meeting different needs in the sparkling wine market.
How is the UK performance for your brands, and the category as a whole, versus your other key markets?
The British market has always been one of the most resilient of all our key markets. The unconditional love of the English for Champagne is well established, and we are very confident in the development of our brand in the UK market, with which we have a very special relationship. The human factor is very important in this market, and the strong relationships we have been building with the trade over the years enable us to move forward with confidence.
Where are you seeing the most growth around the world and why do you think that is?
The Japanese market is one of the most dynamic. It took a little time to emerge from the Covid crisis, but since then we've seen significant growth. Like the UK, it is a mature market with a very high level of knowledge.
What other initiatives can we look forward to later in the year?
We can already announce that our wines will soon be available in new flagship venues in London and throughout the UK. And we could be working on some exciting projects over the coming months.
* You can find out more about Champagne Palmer at its website here.
