LVMH’S MOËT HENNESSY INVESTS €20 MILLION IN NEW CHAMPAGNE RESEARCH FACILITY
The wines and spirits division of French luxury group LVMH has inaugurated a new centre to study all aspects of viticulture in relation to Champagne production. The category is core to the drinks division which generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2020.
Moët Hennessy’s €20 million Robert-Jean de Vogüé Research Centre is named after a former president of the Moët & Chandon house who helped create the CIVC Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne. It is dedicated to understanding and anticipating the major climate and growing challenges expected in the decades ahead.
Core research areas for LVMH
The research centre is located in the immediate vicinity of Moët Hennessy’s ultra-modern Mont Aigu production site and will address environmental and industry challenges. The aim is to allow Moët Hennessy to advance in several areas of sustainable winemaking.
There will be four major study areas:
- Observing and analysing micro-organisms to better understand their impact on vineyards
- Conducting experiments on vines and grapes to meet the challenges of global warming though a better understanding of plant physiology
- Analysing every step in winemaking to optimise processes and promote recyclability
- Sensory analysis and formulation of every product at different stages of production.
Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy, said: “The centre will be a hub for sharing knowledge both between our Champagne houses and with public sector researchers. It will also embrace collaboration with other external structures.” The LVMH drinks business has a vision for sustainable and resilient viticulture, something that Moët Hennessy has been advancing for more than two decades it claims.
Join us at SIAL Paris as exhibitor Join us at SIAL Paris as visitor
