Q&A: Laurent Fresnet Cellar Master, Mumm

By Harpers Editorial

Published: 18 October, 2021

What makes Champagne such a special region?

The combination of both geographic elements (the climate, the subsoils) and the human factor, with a traditional savoir faire transferred from generation to generation. This results in one
of the most complex and delicate wines, with a unique and unparalleled style.

On a more personal note, Champagne is also special to me because this is the region where I was born and raised, and have lived almost all my life. I have a very strong link with the land of Champagne.

How do you express the terroir in the wine?

For me, it starts with the best Pinot Noirs, our signature grape variety, whose freshness, power and vibrancy have given its style to Mumm’s Champagnes.

This quest for the best is also embodied in the progressive and innovative mindset inherited by the founders themselves – with experiments in the winery, in the vineyards, in the cellars – to always improve the quality of our wines and production methods.

What’s your winemaking philosophy?

I have made mine Georges Hermann Mumm’s motto, who was a visionary and the son of one of the three founding Mumm brothers: “Nec plus ultra” – “Only the best”.

For you, what makes a prestige Champagne?

A prestige cuvée must be the quintessential representation of a House’s style. At Mumm, our cuvée Mumm RSRV Lalou is the pure expression of the house’s terroirs. Only made from selected plots, and only in the best of the best years, this cuvée expresses the vineyard’s outstanding quality, our 200-year-old savoir faire and the power of Pinot Noir.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

I am really looking forward to be able to travel and meet with Mumm lovers all over the world. One of the roles of Cellar Master is to embody the house and its wines. Even though we have developed new ways to engage with our customers during Covid, I miss travelling, meeting with new people and discussing – and sharing – Champagne.

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