Moët Hennessy has inaugurated its new Robert-Jean de Vogüé Research Center. The new space is “dedicated to advancing knowledge and evolving practices,” which for the French drinks giants means focusing on climate change and biodiversity loss to create more environmentally friendly products.
Moët Hennessy invested 20 million euros in Robert-Jean de Vogüé Research Center, where the Group’s research and development ecosystem is now equipped with a powerful new lever to understand and anticipate the major challenges of the decades ahead. Moët Hennessy chose Champagne for the location of the new facility as it reflects its commitment to terroir and to the entire Champagne category.
“Closely aligned with the Living Soils, Living Together program we launched last year, our new state-of-the-art research infrastructure will support all Moët Hennessy Houses as they continue to transform their businesses through sustainability,” said Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy. “Named in honor of Robert-Jean de Vogüé, one of the Group’s historic leaders who worked tirelessly for the common good in Champagne and beyond, the Research Center will be a hub for sharing knowledge both between the Houses and with public sector researchers and will also embrace collaboration with other external structures.”
The Center, with its focus on addressing environmental and industry challenges, will allow Moët Hennessy to continue making important contributions to sustainable winemaking practices. It will cover four major research areas:
- Innovating to understand: microbiology and biotechnology. Observing and analyzing micro-organisms to better understand their impact on vineyards.
- Innovating to protect the climate: plant physiology. Conducting experiments on vines and grapes to meet the challenges of global warming.
- Innovating to improve production: process engineering. Analyzing every step in winemaking to optimize processes and promote recyclability.
- Innovating for the experience: sensory analysis and formulation. Analyzing the sensory profile of our products at different stages of production, to continue our Houses’ quests for excellence.
Designed by architect Giovanni Pace, the 4,000 m2 Robert Jean de Vogüé Research Center represents a commitment to eco-responsibility, shared ideas and collective work. The Research Center is located in the immediate vicinity of Moët Hennessy’s ultra-modern Mont Aigu production site.
The building was created with a clear understanding of its connections to the outside world. Integrated into the surrounding landscape, it is embedded in a gently sloping earthen embankment guaranteeing natural insulation. All materials used meet the strictest standards in thermal performance and energy consumption.
The new Research Center bears the name Robert-Jean de Vogüé in honor of this avant-garde thinker in Moët Hennessy history. As President of Moët & Chandon, de Vogüé innovated for the common good of the Group, as well as for different wine regions. Notably, in the 1930s, Robert-Jean de Vogüé determined a “contrat collectif” (collective agreement) with employees, a precursor to the social status of employees in France today. And in 1941 he helped create the CIVC Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, a model which has since been replicated by other French wine regions.
For more information, head over to Moët Hennessy‘s official website.
