The Telegraph (20/Jul/2013) - Celebrate 50 years of Averys champagne
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- article: Celebrate 50 years of Averys champagne
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- newspaper: The Telegraph (20/Jul/2013)
- keywords: Alfred Hitchcock
Article
Celebrate 50 years of Averys champagne
WINEMAKER INTERVIEW: EVELYNE ROCQUES-BOIZEL
50 years ago, Ronald Avery created the very first blend of Averys Special Cuvee Champagne together with Rene Boizel of Champagne Boizel. It was a partnership that would last generations and continues to this day. Fifth generation Avery, Mimi Avery, met up with fifth generation Boizel, Evelyne Roques-Boizel, to talk fizz, family and film directors...
What are your memories of first working with Averys?
My first visit to Averys was in 1973. It was my first trip to England after joining Boizel; I was 25. I met Ronald Avery at the shop next to the bridge; I was very impressed by Ronald and his tasting skills during the champagne tasting we had together. The link between Averys and Boizel is really special, as your grandfather started the relationship with my father in 1963, which makes it unique in the wine world today.
How important is family and tradition to you as a company?
You always have a special dedication to the company that bears your name, as you know. It is very important, as our family life has always been mixed up with the company: entertaining at home; exchanging children to learn languages; visits during holidays.
Each generation feels responsible for the transmission of the tradition to the next generation. This assures a long-term vision, which is so vital for the future of the company and investment in quality.
What have been your proudest moments with your wines over the years?
Proudest and best moments are when guests, journalists or customers are amazed by the quality of our wines and the various comments and awards received over the years.
I remember hearing that Alfred Hitchcock liked your wines - can you tell us more?
Alfred Hitchcock, a great wine lover, had discovered Boizel during one of his stays in France, and did order many cases of Boizel before arriving in Europe every year.
You had your 175th anniversary dinner a couple of years ago. What do you see as the future of Boizel?
Boizel was founded in 1834, so we celebrated our 175th anniversary in 2009 with a Boizel dinner at Chateau Lascombes during Vinexpo. John Avery did a very kind, memorable and marvellous thank-you speech at this occasion.
With the sixth generation stepping in, there are no radical changes - for now! For the moment, they are in charge of development; they take part in all blending tastings. As we did in our time, they will bring a new and dynamic spirit into our company, which will help to face the future challenges.
What's your favourite food match for Champagne?
I have the privilege to travel a lot and I taste different matches proposed by wellknown chefs. I love to discover and I have a lot of memories. One of the latest was gougeres au comte et aux truffes" by Frederic Simonin with Boizel Blanc de Noirs - un delice.
At home, I would choose a cote de veau aux girolles with a Joyau de France 1995.
What would be your "desert island" wine?
Criots-batard-montrachet; Chablis, Haut de Tonnerre [can only find Montee de Tonnerre]; Riesling, Hengst; Cheval Blanc [Saint-Emilion]; hermitage, La Chapelle...
If only one bottle... a Boizel of, course! Maybe a Grand Vintage 2004, or a Joyau Rose or a Sous Bois.
