The Terroir Tapes

In this episode, we visit Emilien Boutillat, Chef de Caves for Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne. Together we explore the style of Piper-Heidsieck, with a focus on freshness, balance, and the evolving role of Meunier in a changing climate. Emilien also gives insight into Rare Champagne and its origins, including a tasting of vin clairs from Villers-Marmery, one of the key villages behind Rare. The conversation offers a rare look at the foundations of these wines and how they develop from vineyard to finished Champagne. I hope you will enjoy this episode. /Jpn

In this episode, we visit Pierre Larmandier of Champagne Larmandier-Bernier in Vertus. Pierre is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic viticulture, as well as in single-vineyard Champagne. We talk about the state of champagne when he took over and how his viticulture and winemaking has evolved.

In this episode, we sit down in Ambonnay with Benoît Marguet, fifth-generation grower and tireless voice for biodynamic Champagne. Our conversation begins with his family and the roots of the estate, before moving into the vineyards of Ambonnay and Bouzy — where respect for life, soil, and rhythm defines every decision. In the cellar, Benoît shares his thoughtful approach to fermentation, ageing, and balance. We also explore the many challenges along the way — those moments of struggle that, as he says, are the real teachers. From family to vineyard to cellar, we travel with him through the full circle of creation — from heaven to earth. The interview is recorded in 2024.

In this episode, we visit Bertrand Gautherot of Champagne Vouette et Sorbée in Buxières-sur-Arce, in the Aube region of Champagne. With Bertrand, we walk through the Vouette and Sorbée vineyards to explore the striking geological contrast between Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils. Along the way, Bertrand shares insights into biodynamic farming and explains how the soil has changed through years of careful care. During our walk, a member of his team is quietly at work in the vineyard, a small sign of how they are addressing the challenges of a changing climate. I hope you will enjoy this episode! /Jpn

In this episode we visit Denis Bunner at Champagne Bollinger in Aÿ in the Grand Valle de Marne. With Denis we explorer the style of Champagne Bollinger and especially focus on the vineyard of La cote aux Enfants that produces both a Coteaux Champenois and a Champagne. The interview continues in the vineyard where the difference between the two sides are explained. I hope you will enjoy this episode! /Jpn