Inside the World of Rare Champagne – By the Glass

Jonathan:

I was born and raised in Paris, studied wine business in Bordeaux, and moved to the U.S. over a decade ago – first to Miami, then to New York – representing Rare Champagne as our brand ambassador. Currently based in California, I'm responsible for ensuring Rare Champagne is enjoyed in the finest venues across the country, always under the best possible conditions. Whether it's a wine dinner, a private tasting, or a collaboration with a great sommelier, my mission is to share the exceptional story of Rare.

Rare Champagne is unlike any other house – with only fourteen vintages ever released, it truly embodies rarity in both name and nature. From its noble origins inspired by Marie Antoinette in 1785 to its presence today in the world's most prestigious hotels, restaurants, and private cellars, Rare Champagne represents the pinnacle of French craftsmanship and timeless luxury.

Émilien:

My mission is to translate nature's expression into emotion – capturing each vintage's unique personality while staying true to the elegant, luminous style of Rare Champagne. The most exciting part of my work is the transformation of potential into beauty: guiding each wine from its first fermentations to the moment it reveals its balance and brilliance in the glass. Each vintage is like a new chapter of a long story – one that connects the past, present, and future of our house.

Émilien:

I was born in a family of Champagne winegrowers. As such, I have been influenced by the Champagne terroir for as long as I can remember. It is part of my DNA. My passion for winemaking and my knowledge of the Champagne terroir stem from many tasks I performed with my father, in the vineyard but also in the cellars and the winery. Consequently, I naturally decided at a young age to study winemaking. It was the most natural and obvious choice for me.

Then, I decided to study and work outside of Champagne: from Château Margaux to New Zealand, Chile to Napa Valley, South Africa until, finally and naturally, coming back to Champagne where I was born.

Jonathan:

I think I was born ready to drink – and share – Champagne! For me, Champagne represents all the best things in life: joy, celebration, and elegance. Champagne is a true art of living.

At home in France, Champagne was always part of family celebrations. My mother had a tradition – she would serve Champagne not only to welcome guests but also with dinner. It taught me early that Champagne isn't just for celebration - it's a gastronomic experience meant to elevate every moment.

Émilien:

As our former Chef de Caves Régis Camus used to say: If Champagne were fashion, Rare would be Haute Couture. Each cuvée is crafted with precision and artistry, expressing the beauty of adversity – the mastery of nature's extremes turned into perfection.

Jonathan:

Rare Champagne is not about abundance – it's about excellence. Every bottle is a limited expression of time, created only in exceptional vintages. It's a French treasure that captures elegance, energy, and emotion all in one sip.

Émilien:

Becoming an independent house allowed Rare Champagne to fully express its own philosophy and personality. We have the freedom to focus exclusively on crafting exceptional vintages – without compromise. This independence gives us the ability to honor the legacy of the past while also embracing a spirit of innovation and precision that defines our present.

Rare has always been about excellence, rarity, and timeless elegance. As a stand-alone maison, we can embody those values in every decision – from the selection of crus to the presentation of each cuvée. It's not just about making great Champagne; it's about creating a truly singular expression of artistry and nature that could only be called Rare.

Émilien:

For me, "Rare" means respect – for nature, for time, and for legacy. The story of Rare Champagne began in 1785, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck set out to create a cuvée worthy of the Queen, Marie Antoinette. It was a tribute to her elegance, artistry, and bold spirit – qualities that still define Rare Champagne today. We are merely guardians of this house; our duty is to preserve its integrity and hand it to the next generation even stronger. "Rare" is not just a name – it's a responsibility to craft something that transcends time.

Jonathan:

It's about responsibility and privilege. Rare Champagne is a true French treasure, born of royal inspiration and revived as a modern expression of excellence. Every vintage is a deliberate act of creation, made only in the most exceptional years – fourteen times in over four decades. That scarcity gives meaning to its name, but it's also about quality, emotion, and storytelling. To represent Rare is to carry a legacy of artistry and precision that must endure far beyond us.

Émilien:

Absolutely. With Coravin Sparkling, we can revisit cuvées over several days or weeks, ensuring the wine evolves naturally without oxidation. It allows us to train, taste, and teach with precision – while respecting every drop. For me, it's reassuring to know that what I created remains perfectly preserved, one glass at a time.

Jonathan:

It's a game-changer. Thanks to Coravin, we can now offer a glass of Rare Champagne in places where opening a full bottle of Rare Champagne might have been impossible. Imagine tasting a glass of Rare Champagne 2008 or even in a magnum – these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can now be shared more widely.

Tasting Rare Champagne by the glass allows anyone to experience a moment of luxury – without commitment, just curiosity. But beware... one glass often leads to a bottle.

Jonathan:

Champagne is all about precision, and so is Coravin. Being able to serve a single perfect glass without waste allows sommeliers to offer Rare Champagne under ideal conditions. It's the perfect balance of luxury and responsibility – nothing lost, everything appreciated.

Émilien:

It's wonderful to know that the integrity of my work – the freshness, the texture, the aromatic precision – remains intact even after opening. Coravin Sparkling respects the craftsmanship and ensures every pour tastes as it should: exactly as we intended in the cellar.

Both:

We're entering a new era of Champagne appreciation. Innovations like Coravin Sparkling will make it possible to serve great cuvées by the glass, even from large formats. Imagine tasting Rare Magnum 2008 out of a magnum by the glass – it's the next frontier of luxury service.

Émilien:

Rare (obviously!), Unique, Infinite.

Jonathan:

The Crown Jewel.

Jonathan:

At the end of the day, during the golden hour – with a tin of caviar and the people you love.

Émilien:

I will follow Jonathan on this one: it would be in front of a sunset, a moment suspended in time….

Émilien:

Shared with the ones you love.

Jonathan:

Bring joy to your day. Joie de vivre.