Champagne Charles Legend, Valentine Clerc: 'we mustn't forget that champagne is first and foremost wine!

From a winemaking family and passionate about wine from an early age, Valentine was "born into bubbles." With a grandfather who made wine in Savoie and Lyonnaise roots, her path seemed destined. However, she chose business school over enology. Yet, her passion soon caught up with her.

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How did your passion for wine first take hold?

A legacy of winemaking

I was increasingly thinking about going back to school to get a degree in enology,

recalls Valentine.

What made you leave the corporate world for wine?

From business to Bordeaux

The allure of the wine world grew stronger, leading Valentine to leave her role as a sales manager at Samsung. She pursued enology studies in Bordeauxand Paris before settling in Champagne. Her unconventional journey felt like a logical progression:

My grandfather made white wine from Savoie. Being from Lyon, Rhône wines spoke to me. But I was also well-acquainted with Champagne.

How did Champagne Charles Legend come into your life?

Meeting two wine enthusiasts

As she completed her enology studies, Valentine met Pierre-Emmanuel and Mikaël, two passionate winemakers. This serendipitous meeting became a pivotal moment, launching Valentine into the Champagne Charles Legend brand, of which she became a co-founder in 2014.

Pierre-Emmanuel and Mikaël had started growing grapes in Champagne but needed marketing expertise to launch their brand. They reached out to me for my commercial director experience, and that’s how my adventure with Champagne Charles Legend began,

explains Valentine.

How is the brand organised today?

Expanding globally

Nearly three years later, the Champagne house is expanding internationally: Pierre-Emmanuel manages exports in São Paulo (Brazil), and Mikaël develops the brand in the UK. Valentine remains in France, collaborating with Champagne producer François Moutard, who opens his cellars to her.

It's not about our machines; we design, craft, and infuse personality into our Champagne. It’s our brand from A to Z,

highlights Valentine.

What makes the Charles Legend concept different?

A contemporary Champagne

Champagne Charles Legend’s concept is unique. For Valentine, the brand embodies the collaboration of three urbanites, "consumers before producers."

The goal with Charles Legend is to shake up traditions and the image of major brands that focus more on the age of their house than on their wine! We offer a contemporary Champagne sought by younger consumers.

How does that spirit shape the wine itself?

Innovation in the cellar and the bottle

This innovative spirit is reflected in their winemaking techniques, governed by two golden rules: reduced sulfites and low sugar dosage. It also extends to design: Valentine opts for a sleek, modern black glass bottle over the traditional green one.

Previously, Champagne was mostly associated with celebrations, bubbles, and sabering. But Champagne is, first and foremost, wine. It can be enjoyed at the table and paired with dishes,

asserts Valentine.

What comes next for Charles Legend?

Two new cuvées ahead

Valentine and her partners plan to launch two new products starting next year: the first in summer 2017 and the second in December. Stay tuned…

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Frequently asked questions about Champagne Charles Legend

Who is Valentine Clerc of Champagne Charles Legend?

Raised in Lyon with a grandfather who made wine in Savoie, she left a sales role at Samsung for enology studies before settling in Champagne. She became a co-founder of the brand in 2014.

What sets Charles Legend champagnes apart?

The house works with a low sugar dosage and fewer sulfites, aiming for a champagne that feels contemporary. Its sleek black bottle also breaks with the classic green glass of the region.

Can Champagne Charles Legend be served with a meal?

Yes. Valentine Clerc sees champagne first as a wine, one that belongs at the table and pairs with food rather than being kept only for celebrations.

How did the Charles Legend brand come about?

It brings together three city dwellers, consumers who turned producers. Valentine Clerc met Pierre-Emmanuel and Mikaël, already growing grapes in Champagne, and added her commercial know-how to get the venture going.

Where are Charles Legend champagnes made?

In Champagne, alongside producer François Moutard, who opens his facilities to the team. They shape every cuvée from start to finish, from the blend to the brand identity.