ABOUT
NICOLAS FEUILLATTE
NAME:
Nicolas Feuillatte
ROLE:
Champagne Manufacturer
INDUSTRY:
Luxury Industry
COUNTRY:
France / Germany
The Visionary Behind Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte: A Story of Innovation and Success
In the heart of the Champagne region, a remarkable tale unfolds. Born into a family of wine and spirits importers in Paris in 1926, Nicolas Feuillatte's destiny initially seemed set to inherit the family business. Yet, the winds of fate would carry him far from his intended path. After World War II, he took a bold step, choosing to venture across the Atlantic to New York, where he embarked on a successful journey in the world of cocoa and coffee. It was an era when coffee was rapidly gaining popularity in the United States, mostly sourced from Brazil. Recognizing the untapped potential, Nicolas began importing coffee from Africa and even developed instant coffee. By 1955, he had become the leading African coffee importer in the United States and held positions as a diplomat and permanent UN representative for Ivory Coast in New York. He had an affinity for exploration and networking, which led him to rub shoulders with the likes of Kennedy and Onassis. These influential connections would later prove invaluable in launching his champagne brand.
In a surprising turn of events in 1972, Nicolas returned to his homeland upon the sudden passing of his father. The visionary entrepreneur inherited a 12-hectare vineyard in Bouleuse near Reims. With an intrinsic love for champagne, he resolved to become a champagne producer, releasing his iconic "Réserve Particulière" in 1978. His champagne rapidly gained popularity in the USA, Australia, and the UK, emerging as the brand of choice for the international jet set.
As the success of his champagne brand soared, Nicolas sought additional sources for champagne grapes to meet the rising demand. This search led him to the Centre Vinicole de la Champagne (CVC), a cooperative founded by Henri Macquart, marking the inception of a remarkable success story. Nicolas aimed to create champagne not exclusively reserved for high society but rather a delight for everyone.
In 1986, he made the decision to sell the brand to CVC, an association uniting 4,500 winegrowers from 82 cooperatives, all committed to nurturing their small vineyards through generations of expertise. This marked the beginning of a new era for the brand. In a pioneering move within the traditional world of champagne, Nicolas initiated innovative advertising campaigns in collaboration with artists to promote the brand.
Over three decades, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte rose to become France's number one champagne brand and the world's third-largest champagne producer, available in over 80 countries. A brand rooted in creativity, modernity, elegance, and a spirit of curiosity—inspired by the founder's own journey to America in the 1950s.
Spanning 2,100 hectares across the appellation, the vineyards encompass 11 Grand Cru and 26 1er Cru vineyards, forming the foundation for exclusive top cuvées like Palmes d'Or Brut and Palmes d'Or Rosé. The "golden palm" cuvée pays tribute to a young opera singer, cherished by Nicolas Feuillatte, and aims to exude the same elegance and allure. The unique bottle design mirrors the singer's black pearl gown worn during her New York performance.
The winery guarantees the quality of all champagnes by immediately pressing the grapes in the vineyards after harvest, instead of transporting them to the winery. The production process is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, resulting in a wide range of champagnes that consistently earn acclaim from international wine critics.
The distinctive style of Nicolas Feuillatte champagnes is characterized by finesse, precision, accessibility, and elegance, crafted annually by Chief Winemaker Guillaume Roffiaen and David Hénault, the Chef de Cave.
In 2017, the majestic winery near Chouilly unveiled the remarkable "Espace Nicolas Feuillatte" visitor center, featuring contemporary art, innovative design, and the latest in champagne production. It's a testament to the brand's urban, glamorous, and hedonistic personality.
Though Nicolas Feuillatte passed away in 2014 at the age of 88, his legacy endures. His philosophy of "champagne for all occasions" continues to resonate throughout the brand. Today, his visionary life's work is celebrated and enjoyed worldwide, with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte offering top-quality selections for every moment and budget—truly a sparkling "art de vivre français" for life's big and small celebrations.
GALLERY
LINKS:
France Paris Shop:
Nicolas Feuillatte
254 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré
75008 - Paris
Experience and Visit Chouilly
Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte
CD 40A
51530 Chouilly
Germany:
Nicolas Feuillatte Vertrieb GmbH
Lindenstrasse 2
55452 Windesheim
+49 (0) 6707 915 9700
