{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine","title":"Fabienne Dourdon - Leaving Paris to Take Over the Family Champagne Estate","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/6b12d9aa\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3008,"description":"In this episode, I sit down with Fabienne Dourdon, a Champagne grower whose family has farmed vines in the Marne Valley since 1812. She shares the family’s journey from selling 100% of their grapes to the big houses to crafting their own wines—and what it meant to her to return home after more than a decade working in Paris to take over the family estate.\nWe talk about how she’s reshaping the winery with a focus on freshness and precision, her belief in Pinot Meunier’s aging potential, and the story behind her barrel-fermented Meunier and long-aged Réserve de Germain. We also explore changing drinking habits and why exploring grower Champagne— and trusting your own palate—can reaveal just how diverse and exciting the region can be.\n \n01:18 Family Roots Since 1812\n02:13 Champagne Then vs Now\n03:18 From Growing Grape to Making Champagne\n06:00 Coops and Small Growers\n07:56 Finding Early Customers\n11:35 Growing Up in the Vines\n12:51 Weather Risks and Reserves\n15:24 Early Career in Paris and Returning to Champagne\n21:01 Training and Modern Viticulture\n24:06 Organic Farming and Quality Winemaking\n29:52 Meunier Reputation Revisited\n32:15 Barrel Fermented Meunier\n35:09 Reserve de Germain Blend\n36:44 Youth Drinking and Authenticity\n41:21 Grower Champagne Exploration\n45:43 Inspiration and Next Generation\n49:27 Closing Thanks and Signoff\n🙌 Enjoyed the episode?\nFollow, rate, and review Tasting Notes Toronto on your favorite podcast platform — it really helps others discover the show. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.\n\nChampagne: Cork Pop and Pour by ultradust -- https://freesound.org/s/166923/ -- License: Attribution 4.0","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qu6sl5IgAAe55ng9ARpyYSW-PPfIZ_6b8pSn9asQ7QY/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS81ZTNh/NGU4YjQ5YmQ5ODk4/NTdiOGYwNGZhNDM1/ZjZmZi5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}