In the competitive world of champagne, Maison Telmont stands out not only for its quality but also for its unwavering commitment to sustainability. From inception to packaging, meticulous detail is put into every aspect of a bottle’s lifespan. In an exclusive interview with Ludovic de Plessis, President of Maison Telmont, we delved into the brand’s ambitious environmental goals, the innovative initiatives and what this means for the industry as a whole.
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A Legacy of sustainability
Founded in 1912, the Telmont Champagne House has a storied history. Today, it is located in Damery, near Épernay, France, and remains a family-run business with a vision deeply rooted in respect for the terroir. Ludovic, with his extensive background in the wine and spirits industry, joined Telmont with a clear mission: to craft the best champagne with no compromise on sustainability.
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Meaningful impact
Ludovic’s journey with Telmont began with a passion for the environment and a desire to make a meaningful impact. “I always follow my passion. The environment and the planet mean everything to me today,” Ludovic shared. This passion led him to seek a champagne house that aligned with his values and vision for sustainable winemaking.
Since June 2021, Telmont has been committed to its project “In the Name of Mother Nature,” focusing on organic agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and reducing its environmental footprint. One of the significant steps Telmont has taken is publishing “Our Guide to Sustainability in Champagne,” outlining their trajectory towards becoming the first Climate Positive Champagne house by 2030 and achieving Net Positive status by 2050.
Innovative Initiatives
Telmont has implemented several groundbreaking initiatives to achieve its sustainability goals. One notable project is the adoption of the lightest champagne bottle, developed in partnership with French glassmaker Verallia. This 800-gram bottle, 35 grams lighter than the standard, represents a significant reduction in carbon emissions during production and transportation.
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Ludovic elaborated, “The glass used for bottles is one of the major sources of carbon emissions. Using lighter bottles is better for our planet and will benefit all.” This initiative, along with the elimination of gift boxes and the use of green bottles made from 87% recycled glass, showcases Telmont’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Partnerships and Support
In February 2022, the brand saw an investment from one of the globe’s most formidable voices on sustainability. He also happens to be one of the leading gents of Hollywood.
Leonardo DiCaprio joined Telmont as an investor, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to sustainability. DiCaprio’s involvement brings credibility and support to Telmont’s ambitious plans. Ludovic noted, “Leonardo’s decision to become a shareholder sends a strong message of support. We share the same convictions and commitment to protecting the environment”.
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Looking ahead
Telmont is on track to convert its entire vineyard to 100% organic agriculture by 2025, with the full conversion of its partner growers’ vines by 2031. This transformation is crucial in a region where less than 4% of vineyards are certified organic. “It’s important to tell the story of organic agriculture and its benefits. It’s better for the soil, the winegrowers, and ultimately, the wine itself,” said Ludovic.
The brand’s efforts extend beyond organic farming. Telmont is also focused on preserving biodiversity by planting hornbeam shrubs and cover crops across its vineyards. By 2030, they aim to plant 4,900 hornbeam shrubs on their estate and encourage their winegrower partners to plant an additional 13,800.
A bright future
As Maison Telmont continues to push the boundaries of sustainable winemaking, Ludovic remains optimistic about the future. “We are determined to lead this green revolution. Our mission is to craft the best champagne with no compromise on sustainability,” he asserted.
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Champagne Telmont’s dedication to the environment, coupled with its innovative approach, sets a new standard in the industry. For those who appreciate not just the taste but also the story behind their champagne, Telmont offers a perfect blend of quality and sustainability.
For more information about Champagne Telmont and their sustainability initiatives, visit champagne-telmont.com.
