The Moutard family,
Champagne and Burgundy producers

In the 1980s, François learned very quickly from his father, now owning 10 hectares and leading a team of 4 employees. Lucien had a strong personality and above all a vision of growth for the company, focusing on family success above all. With his sisters, Agnès and Véronique, François continued the mission and looked to expand the Moutard brand throughout the years, by searching for new opportunities, conquering emerging markets at a time when total Champagne production was doubling in volume.

Whilst he easily recognised a few strategic errors from the past, he soon learned his lessons and had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with his company. Stabilising the brand, acquiring new high quality products and gradually approaching major restaurants as a producer with unusual value for money: these were the fixed objectives. The growth also involved Burgundy wines and the distillery for which he had high hopes.

A modern manager , he has an eye everywhere and tries to involve everyone in his decisions. When buying a machine, he will always be accompanied by its user in order to understand their opinion and assess the working tool. François likes to encourage and push the other person so that they give their best. However it is not about betraying their trust. Honesty is another of his qualities and he will not beat about the bush in giving his opinion if work is not performed properly.

Currently, François always likes to visit exhibitions, taking the time to discuss and share his passion.

He refers to London as his right pocket and Brussels his left, clearly not forgetting Paris which he regularly visits to experience the hustle and bustle which he appreciates so much. He defines himself as a “gentleman farmer” but he has much more energy that this simple cliché. Certainly, he is one of the dignitaries of the Confrérie du Saulte Bouchon Champenois, specifically a ‘Bouchonnier’ , i.e. a person who "judges the opening of bottles presented for sacrifice". It is another way to promote the qualities of Champagne, particularly when inducting a member from a foreign country. Above all, he has a passion for powerful vehicles or motorboats which he uses to navigate the region's lakes or the Arcachon basin. But happiness is not a solitary affair. On board, he needs his children, his clan. Nothing would be possible without them.

For her, the growth promoted by “the boys” is good news, particularly as the atmosphere is good and the expertise has been passed on. It would have been impossible to imagine it any other way. Someone coming from outside the family to take one of the key roles? Impossible. “I’d prefer to sell” she says without hesitation.

This is one of the aspects of her character : her ability to deal with problems head on. Véronique can sometimes lose her temper, within limits. Familiarity, for example, is unacceptable. “No one should forget their place” she explains. This doesn’t mean that she is insensitive. Recognition is very important to her. Sometimes she laments that it is not highlighted that the Moutard brand is managed by women. But she gets great satisfaction from discovering that one day, that the Moutard brand is sold in Vanuatu, on the other side of the world, or by being recognised during a walk along Troyes’ shopping streets. She loves all these little signs, and they underline her idea that quality always results in being distinguished, that renown is earned. Soon, she will be able to “air out” as she calls it, go on holiday more often and spend time away (but not too much) from this wonderful home where she grew up.

In the winter when the vines are resisting the cold, he also works in the distillery with his cousin Alexandre. But very soon he needs to go out and walk between the vines, seeing the changes to the stock which will soon be the early clusters. His satisfaction: “getting good grapes”, quite simply. You can’t miss his somewhat sardonic grin when he compares his work to his neighbours who like to change method too frequently, who have come to despise this wonderful land and who often have less favourable results.

A motorbike enthusiast, and more recently a hunter, he sees these activities as an opportunity to join friends and enjoy nature’s riches and precious moments of friendship. This is also why he likes to work as a family, with direct communication which avoids unsaid things and unnecessary tension. Remaining calm - zen would be the ideal term - is Edouard’s secret to succeeding in all his ventures.

Saving time, or rather, optimising each moment so that production works better, or “slides”. With a Professional Baccalaureate in Farming Management obtained at Beaune and over one year’s experience in Great Britain as a barman, he acquired a taste for supply management (management of the logistics chain) and applied it in the field through excellent sequencing. This involves proper organisation of human resources, the choice of equipment or stock management, for example. And above all, anticipating anything unexpected.

A figures specialist, Benoît can quickly visualise the necessary steps so that production takes place successfully. He takes the time to write down the procedures which will ensure the success of each new project. So, if the Burgundy wine orders need to increase from 200,000 to 600,000 bottles, he isn’t particularly worried. He has already planned everything and knows he can count on his team of around thirty employees to monitor it. He savours the success when tasting because the taste is still excellent quality despite changes experienced during production.

Known for his energy, Benoît is always eager to go out on the town with friends, ready for a few memorable celebrations. But without letting himself be surprised, like the good fighter pilot he nearly became. And he soon plans to go and conquer customers in certain other major American states which are too often ignored.