Telmont reveals its environmental ambitions “In Nomine Terrae” - in the name of Mother Nature.

Champagne comes from the earth and is indebted to it. The more gratitude and respect we show the earth, the more it will clear a path to excellence in return. This virtuous circle is the defining feature of familial champagne house Telmont.

Since 1912, year the House was founded by Henri Lhôpital, on his land of Damery, near Epernay, Telmont has defended its vision of viticulture and the values it holds dear: loyalty, humility and courage. The House revels in its singularity, proclaimed by its motto: Nec Pluribus Impar, unlike any other. Upholding its legacy, Telmont took its first steps towards organic conversion and obtained, in 2017, its first certification for a portion of the vineyards of its estate.

Champagne Telmont is determined to pursue its ambition: carving an exemplary path towards a 100% organic house using production methods with reduced impact on its natural surroundings. Telmont has decided to act “in the name of Mother Nature”, thus advocating for the preservation of nature’s gifts, leaving its essence untouched.

The House of Telmont has set five tangible objectives.

Objective #1: preserving terroir and biodiversity. Today, 72% of the estate’s 24.5 hectares are certified in organic agriculture or are in the process of conversion. The aim is to convert 100% of the estate by 2025. Telmont Champagne’s partner winegrowers (56.5 hectares) will be supported by the House in their shift towards organic agriculture (39% of their vineyards are already certified or in conversion). This ambitious transformation targets the conversion to organic agriculture of 100% of all cultivated areas by 2031, for both the Telmont estate and partner winegrowers, compared to the 49% of those currently certified or in conversion. Biodiversity will be encouraged across the entire estate, both in the vineyards and in the adjacent natural areas. To this end, 2500 shrubs will be planted over the next three years to provide ‘insect hotels’ in the vineyards, preserving species diversity and promoting sustainable carbon binding.

Objective #2: generalizing eco-design. Telmont is breaking away from ordinary champagne codes. As of 2021, the House has decided to focus on “the bottle and nothing but the bottle”, banning all production and use of outer packaging or gift boxes. This is a first in Champagne. In addition, transparent bottles (currently 15% of the House’s production) will be discontinued this year, to be replaced by only green bottles, 100% recyclable and made from 85% recycled glass. Telmont Champagne is also exploring an experimental method of reusing bottles (for other wine or cider productions).

Objective #3: transitioning to 100% renewable electricity and promoting use of ‘green’ energy sources for all its activities. This involves purchasing adapted energy and the development of an on-site solar power production system. The House has already committed to equip itself only with electric vehicles.

Objective #4: overhauling the logistics chain, upstream and downstream, to limit greenhouse gas emissions indirectly related to its business. Starting today, Telmont will select transporters according to their CSR score. Moreover, it will continue to enforce its zero-air transport policy for supply and distribution.

Objective #5: intensifying efforts in terms of traceability and information. Each bottle will be numbered, enabling its production itinerary to be traced. As of this year, our front labels will contain all production-related information and detailed contents.

“In Nomine Terrae” (In the Name of Mother Nature) will dictate the House’s actions for decades to come. The unbiased outcome of each of these five objectives will be shared with the general public through House communication. The Rémy Cointreau Group, having become majority shareholder of the House in October 2020, wholeheartedly backs this ambitious program, which Ludovic du Plessis, President and shareholder of the House, will implement together with Bertrand Lhôpital, great-grandson of the House’s founder, Henri.

“My first tasting experience of Telmont Champagne was a beautiful discovery. The wines had a unique personality, presence, complexity and maturity, all the while preserving a remarkable ethereality. Backed by the Rémy Cointreau Group and alongside Bertrand Lhôpital, I feel very lucky to be leading this incredible adventure.

Telmont is a house with character, boasting a legacy of craftsmanship and a strong ambition, poised to become the standard bearer of a new relationship with nature. We have one foot rooted in tradition and one in modernity, and both feet on (and in) the earth.” ‐ Ludovic du Plessis, President of the House of Telmont.

“I’m proud of the wine‐growing legacy which has been handed down in my family from one generation to the next. This heritage enables us to be in close contact with the earth and people, to work with the soil and create our wines the Telmont way. When Rémy Cointreau joined the adventure, contributing their proven commitment to terroir and savoir‐faire, it added a new dimension to the quest for excellence which has driven our family for years.” ‐ Bertrand Lhôpital, Cellar Master and Head of Viticulture of the House of Telmont.


About the House of Telmont:
Founded in 1912, the Telmont Champagne House - previously known as ‘J de Telmont’ - is located in Damery, near Épernay, France. Created in the wake of the champagne riots by Henri Lhôpital, a brave local winegrower, the House remains familial and visionary: Bertrand Lhôpital, Cellar Master and Head of Viticulture of the Telmont House, today represents the fourth generation. Unfailing commitment to the respect of its terroir has led the House to embrace a highly demanding environmental approach. In 2017, it earned its first AB Certification (organic agriculture) for part of its vineyard – the result of a labour of love and patience, proving once more the House’s vow to preserving the environment. The Rémy Cointreau group identified with the values of the House and purchased a majority share in October 2020. Renamed Telmont in 2021, the House embodies a unique style: our champagnes are ethereal yet structured, balanced between tension and freshness - a perfect harmony. Champagne Telmont enables the terroir to express itself through its wines, employing its know-how to help reveal the various facets of nature.