Champagne Petitjean Pienne – Interview With Marie Petitjean

The love of Champagne is infinite, a language that everyone can understand, a sparkle that can shine in anyone’s glass, it can connect people, brings them together and places a smile on faces around the world.

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly, we speak with Marie Petitjean, the Owner of Champagne Petitjean Pienne, let’s discover a little about her life, her journey into the industry and one of her favourite Champagne memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Marie, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Journey Into The Champagne Industry Began?

“Pure Cramantaise, I am the 6th generation to work on the development of our house. We develop with love and conviction Champagnes imbued with subtlety and character, which resemble us. The operated estate extends over nearly 5 hectares, mainly in the 100% Grand Cru classified communes of Avize, Chouilly and Cramant. Our grapes used for winemaking come from the lands of the Côte des Blancs but also from the Vallée de la Marne. They come from the three main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. We practice sustainable and reasoned viticulture.

For my part, after a degree in Biology, I returned to the family farm 20 years ago and took over management 2 years ago. I have a full-time employee and my retired parents continue to provide support. Beyond knowledge that is passed on and perfected, it is a passion, a true life experience that is passed on from generation to generation.

The love of the land, the demands and rigour of daily work, the sense of sharing in all simplicity are the fundamentals that characterize us.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Champagne? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

“I have no memory of my first experience with Champagne, at home, a few drops of Champagne are placed on the lips of newborns,… like a baptism.

What struck me the most was being able to taste the first bottles of which I created the blend: from the work in the vineyard, to the birth of a vintage. A feeling of pride and accomplishment, the conviction that this profession allows one to express one’s audacity and singularity, that mastering each stage from the vine to the bottle allows us to design products that are respectful/in line with our values ​​and convictions, to build a range of Champagne that allows you to awaken the senses and enjoy every moment.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Managing Your Own Champagne House?

“It is an immense satisfaction, but also a great responsibility to be able to manage your own operation. Each generation brings its stone to the building, its personal touch and contributes to developing our Champagne house while retaining the values ​​that are ours. A challenge to keep both the spirit of tradition, but also to turn towards modernity, to work for the future, to be part of a long-term approach.”

When It Comes To Pairing Champagne With Food, Do You Have Any Favorite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

We advocate the liberalization of Champagne. We encourage the discovery of food and Champagne pairings that allow you to awaken the senses and simply enjoy every moment. We have developed a range of 7 unique vintages. Our Coeur de Chardonnay/Brut Nature hearts will go very well with seafood, and fish or will be ideal as an aperitif. Our Rosé and Eclat de Noirs can be enjoyed with desserts with chocolate or red fruit notes. Our Réserve will go perfectly with brioche toasts or red meats.

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Champagne Petitjean Pienne

“Anywhere in the world, just take one with you in your suitcase!

The house Petitjean-Pienne is present in France as well as in Europe (Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Czech Republic, etc.) and internationally (Japan and the United States).

Our wines are regularly recommended by numerous expert guides!

Hachette, Dussert-Gerber, Bettane et Desseauve, Gilbert et Gaillard, Feminalies, Effervescent du monde, Chardonnay du Monde, Vinalies, Vigneron Indépendant to name a few of the more well-known ones.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Champagne Petitjean Pienne Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

Today I have the ambition to give new impetus to the development of the company while continuing to uphold the values ​​and spirit of the House. Three main areas of development:

The renewal and modernization of the production and reception tool; International development; and a renewed and differentiating customer experience.

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“With friends, for no real reason, we found ourselves at one of the Cramant viewpoints and were able to enjoy a sunset with a glass of Champagne in hand. A simple, unique, friendly experience around a moment of sharing.”

Thank you Marie, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Marie Petitjean. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.