Founded in 1912 in the heart of Damery near Épernay, Telmont is more than a Champagne house. It is a maison defined by precision, integrity, and a firm stance on sustainability. With a focus on the land and a sharp sense of purpose, Telmont has emerged as a voice for conscious winemaking. From organic viticulture to the elimination of unnecessary packaging, each step is measured, each action considered. Nothing is left to coincidence, and nothing is taken for granted.

Telmont is not chasing trends. It is shaping its own path. In the vineyards, in the cellar, and in its global conversations, the message remains the same. Quality means more when it respects the earth. We spoke with Ludovic du Plessis about the work behind the bottle, the responsibilities that come with it, and what lies ahead.

SETTE: Can you share your path to Telmont and the values shaping your vision?

Ludovic du Plessis: With over 20 years in the industry, I’ve been inspired by mentors like Richard Geoffroy, the cellar master of Dom Pérignon, by the fantastic legacy and know-how of Maison Louis XIII, which I was privileged to lead for six incredible years. I have also been greatly inspired by conversations with my friend Leonardo DiCaprio, which contributed to raise my awareness on the urgency to preserve our environment. All this journey led to the values of sustainability and craftsmanship that we are promoting at Telmont, and which materialise in our vision: to craft exceptional Champagne without any compromise on sustainability.

What does ‘In Nature We Trust’ mean for you and Telmont?

You are probably referring to our strategic project: ‘In the Name of Mother Nature.’ This project reflects Telmont’s deep connection with our terroir, and our strong commitment to sustainability. At Telmont, we like to say that ‘the wine is good when the Earth is beautiful.’ This commitment is not just about branding, it’s a question of passion for excellence, for winemaking traditions, but also for the protection of the environment. It is this passion that led Telmont to initiate its conversion to organic viticulture in the early 2000s, and that urges us to accelerate now that we see that the pressure on the environment increases. There is no ‘Planet B’. We need to act now. This is the root conviction that pushes us to issue this call to action for a greener future.

What major eco-innovations have you introduced?

From vineyard to bottle, every step is scrutinised to minimise environmental impact. Since 2021, we’ve stopped using gift boxes, heavy bespoke bottles (900g), and transparent bottles, which generate more CO2 to be produced, as well as air freight. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Verallia to design the lightest champagne bottle ever at 800g. These initiatives are part of our mission to become the first Champagne House to achieve net zero by 2050, with a goal of drastically reducing emissions by 90 percent. At the same time, we are transitioning 100 percent of our vineyards to regenerative and organic farming, completely removing herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and synthetic chemical fertilisers from our practices. Yes, sustainability is challenging, but it is so rewarding. The benefits of the transition to regenerative organic viticulture are massive: for the soils, for the vines, for the grapes, and the wines. For me, sustainability is not a constraint; it is a playing field for creativity.

What challenges came with these changes?

Organic farming demands significant time and labour, with lower yields and higher costs. It is particularly hard in difficult years like 2024, where we faced very adverse conditions. Convincing partners to join us in this transition and rethinking long-standing practices like air freight required both determination and pedagogy, to show the benefits on the long term of more sustainable practices. The collective dimension of this effort is also crucial. It is very encouraging to embark on this journey within a collective, where each one can share their difficulties and the best practices to address them successfully.

How can Telmont inspire other industries?

By leading with transparency, bold actions, and sharing innovations openly, like our lightweight bottles where there is no exclusivity, everything is in open source, we aim to inspire others to embrace sustainable practices that balance tradition with environmental responsibility. We also like to work with like-minded companies and leaders, like bike manufacturer Brompton, fashion brand Ecoalf, and many other inspiring brands that also act to make things change. By standing together, coming from so different horizons, we show that something big is about to happen, and invite others to join us in this movement.

What is your long-term vision for Champagne Telmont’s sustainability?

I envision a future where regenerative and organic viticulture becomes the norm, where carbon footprints are drastically reduced, and where sustainability is embedded in every step of production and distribution. Telmont aspires to set this example. Our cuvée ‘Réserve de la Terre’, made with 100 percent organic grapes, is a manifesto that expresses what we believe is the future of champagne. Radiant, luminous, full of life, this cuvée illustrates the benefits of combining sustainability and the best winemaking traditions.

What does transparency bring to Champagne Telmont and its consumers?

Transparency builds trust and educates consumers, showing that sustainable luxury is achievable without compromising quality.

If you could influence one thing in the industry, what would it be?

I’d make regenerative organic farming the universal standard to protect our terroirs and future generations and bring attention to the fact that regenerative agriculture is not possible if chemicals are still being used. Organic is the future.

What lasting message would you leave through your work at Telmont?

That excellence and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. They are actually two sides of the same coin: high ambitions for what we produce, and high ambitions for the planet, we will leave when our time is through. Let’s spread the good words (and not the pesticides).from their goals. I hope that for my children too. They should grow as people and love those around them.

More Information under: www.champagne-telmont.com/

– Text by Sonia Narciandi; Photos by Champagne Telmont