Champagne Gremillet – Interview With Anne Gremillet

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 Anne Gremillet, the Marketing Director of Champagne Gremillet, 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, Anne, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Journey Into The Champagne Industry Began?

“Thank you very much, it’s a pleasure for me as well. I am Anne Gremillet, Marketing Director of the Gremillet Champagne House. I grew up in the heart of the vineyards, surrounded by the vibrant world of champagne. My journey into this industry began at a very young age, watching my parents work with passion to make our house what it is today. After studying marketing, it felt natural to join the family business to contribute to its development while honoring the legacy of my ancestors.”

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

“I must admit that I don’t have a precise memory of my first tasting, as I probably sipped from a Champagne flute at a very young age, and of course, it was a Gremillet cuvée! Our first bottles were produced in 1984, but at that time, the production process was partly outsourced. Since 2003, with the arrival of my brother Jean-Christophe as cellar master, we have fully mastered the vinification process to craft our Champagnes. While I don’t recall my very first tasting, I vividly remember a significant moment: after spending four months at an American university during my studies, I rediscovered the joy of a glass of Champagne upon returning to France. I had missed the fine bubbles terribly.”

For Anyone Trying Champagne Gremillet For The First Time, What Label Would You Suggest They Try First?

“I would wholeheartedly recommend our Cuvée Ambassadeur. As its name suggests, it perfectly embodies the spirit of our house, our brand, and our entire range. Representing half of our production, this emblematic cuvée is the one by which we wish to be judged. It faithfully reflects the style of our house and serves as its backbone. This name, ‘Ambassadeur’, is also a tribute to our history with the French embassies, which have been loyal customers of our house for years. Composed of a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it offers a perfect balance that generally wins unanimous approval. It truly invites you to discover the very essence of Champagne Gremillet.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Marketing A Champagne House?

“The most rewarding aspect is certainly seeing our Champagne appreciated and recognized by an ever-growing audience, both in France and internationally. It’s an immense honor to know that our cuvées accompany people’s significant life moments. However, the challenge lies in the constant need to innovate and remain competitive in a highly crowded market. We are fortunate in the Champagne industry to have leading brands that make the word ‘Champagne’ resonate like magic around the world. We follow in their footsteps and must stand out among the multitude of brands on the market. With 500,000 bottles produced each year, and considering the relative youth of our house, we are doing quite well. Our goal is not a race for volume but rather for quality and the perceived image of our house.”

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

“We don’t intend to expand our range further, as it is already quite rich, especially with the recent addition of a BIO cuvée named ‘Forget Me Not’. This name refers to the forget-me-not flower, also called ‘Gremillet’ in some dialects. However, our priority will always remain quality. We are considering ageing our cuvées a bit longer to give them even more complexity. Among our projects, we will also focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, both in our viticulture practices and in the cellar.

Moreover, we have recently started planting a truffle orchard next to our vineyards. A pairing of Champagne and truffle is in the works, but patience will be required before we can fully enjoy it. We are confident that these initiatives will further enhance the identity and uniqueness of the Gremillet House.”

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

“There are so many memorable moments; the magic of Champagne also lies in its ability to elevate moments, making them unforgettable. One of the most remarkable experiences with a glass of Champagne was undoubtedly my wedding. For this very special occasion, we chose to enjoy our Cuvée Evidence, which we had just launched. This 100% Chardonnay Champagne, aged in oak barrels—the only one of its kind in our range—delighted the palates of all our guests that day. Since then, this cuvée has become our premium offering, alongside the famous Clos Rocher. This choice had a special meaning for me because this cuvée embodies elegance and subtlety, qualities I wanted to associate with that unique day. The memory of that day, accompanied by this special cuvée, will remain forever etched in my memory.”

Thank you Anne Gremillet, 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 Champagne Gremillet & Anne Gremillet. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.