In conversation with Alexandra Tilling, Brand Manager at Champagne Louis Roederer
World-famous champagne house Louis Roederer, Clive Christian Furniture’s brand and showroom champagne partner, has been producing champagne in Reims, northern France, for almost 250 years. One of the few independent, family-run maisons de champagne remaining, it maintains a strong commitment to sustainable agronomic practices. We spoke to Alexandra Tilling, Champagne Louis Roederer’s Brand Manager, about the evolution of the brand and her role within it.
“For Champagne Louis Roederer, true luxury is time – the time to experiment, to explore, to hone their skills, to develop, to question and to improve. That is the luxury afforded by family ownership, where they look to create an ever better ecosystem for the next generation to inherit.”
Alexandra Tilling, Brand Manager, Louis Roederer
How does Champagne Louis Roederer’s heritage influence the brand today?
Louis Roederer was a man who constantly sought to improve; he questioned everything in the quest to make the best possible wines. This led him to purchase his own vineyards, bucking the trend of buying grapes from small growers, which is still the norm today. This allowed him to have complete control over every qualitative step in the production of his wines. This pioneering spirit is still a foundation of Louis Roederer today as they constantly push boundaries in farming and winemaking. They never lose sight of where they have come from, and what it means to make Louis Roederer champagne, but they constantly challenge themselves to be ever better.
How does Louis Roederer embody craftsmanship in its work?
Louis Roederer is seventh generation family-owned and as such has passed down not only their know how, honed over centuries, but a thirst for innovation and a pioneering spirit that sets them apart.
“For 25 years Louis Roederer has been working hand in hand with nature, utilising organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards to help ensure healthier soils and higher quality grapes.”
Louis Roederer has a longstanding commitment to sustainable agronomic practices. Can you tell us more about this?
For 25 years Louis Roederer has been working hand in hand with nature, utilising organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards to help ensure healthier soils and higher quality grapes. They have achieved the HVE level 3 – the highest level of sustainable certification in Champagne, and have reduced their carbon footprint by 25% in the last decade. Quality undoubtedly comes from the soil, so its health and sustainable future is an absolute priority.
What does luxury mean at Louis Roederer?
For Louis Roederer, true luxury is time – the time to experiment, to explore, to hone their skills, to develop, to question and to improve. That is the luxury afforded by family ownership, where they look to create an ever better ecosystem for the next generation to inherit.
What’s your favourite aspect of your role at Louis Roederer?
Telling the story of this incredible champagne house and watching people fall in love with the history, heritage, and of course the wines, as much as I have.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Find something you love and make a career out of it.
What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday?
Walking the dog on the beach, cooking up a storm and having a late lunch with a glass or two of champagne surrounded by friends.
What’s your favourite meal to cook at home?
Anything that involves chilli, ginger and lime so I lean heavily towards Asian cooking!