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Meet Nicolas Ayme,
Sales Director for the Greater South of France
Nicolas what is your role within the Maison Philipponnat?
I’m like a brand ambassador for the Maison. Heading up a team of about thirty sales representatives stretching from the Basque coast to Besançon, my role is very operational and relational: I’m responsible for identifying new establishments that could feature the Maison’s Champagnes, I motivate my teams, I lead our sales network in the South, and I manage our local press relations. Although I’ve always worked in my native South of France, I have been evolving within the world of Champagne since 2004, and I joined Maison Philipponnat in 2011. For more than ten years, I’ve had a front-row seat to the Maison’s development and its rise, and I’m proud to contribute to its success. As such, its recognition as “House of the Year” in 2023 by the Revue des Vins de France was a tribute to all the hard work and effort put in by the Philipponnat team.
How is Champagne perceived in the Greater South region of France?
The image of Champagne has evolved in recent years. Of course, today it is still driven by an overseas clientèle, who consume a lot of very high-quality Champagnes, even more so in the South of France, but most notably we are seeing excellent democratisation thanks to by-the-flute service. In the most ostentatious venues, consumers still often confuse notoriety with quality, even though over the last four or five years the latter has tended to take precedence. Thanks to its identity as both a Maison and a winegrower, Maison Philipponnat is able to exist in both types of market – places where people purchase Champagne for its quality options, and those where brand image is favoured – these two options are not mutually exclusive.
What is your favourite Philipponnat Champagne?
It’s hard to choose just one when you’ve been connected to it for more than ten years! I particularly like the vinous appearance of the Maison’s Blanc de Noirs. For something more gourmet, I would lean more towards the Rosé. One feature of the Maison’s Champagnes is that they are particularly well suited to gastronomy, whether they are served in Michelin-starred restaurants or in bistros. My favourite way to experience each of our cuvées is when they are perfectly matched to the dish on offer!
WHERE TO TASTE CHAMPAGNE PHILIPPONNAT IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE, ACCORDING TO NICOLAS AYME
The best views
Héliantal – Hotel THALAZUR**** in Saint-Jean de Luz
Head for Saint-Jean-de-Luz to savour chef Sébastien Piniello’s bistro cuisine. Local and seasonal products are given pride of place in a setting that boldly combines Basque and seaside codes with the style of the 1930s. Accents of natural materials bring the look together, giving the illusion of being in a boat on the water. An idyllic setting in which to discover Philipponnat Champagnes, with an exceptional view over the bay.
Les Belles Canailles – Hôtel Les Roches Blanches***** in Cassis
Offering an unobstructed view of the red rocks of Cap Canaille, chef Nicolas Sintes and pastry chef Valentin Fabry highlight local produce in their Mediterranean-style cuisine. The “Grande Bleue” is the main source of inspiration for this establishment in Cassis, which is committed to sustainability, particularly by favouring short supply chains. Enjoy a glass of Champagne Philipponnat with a seafood dish, the chef’s speciality.
The best gastronomic experiences
L’Épuisette* in Marseille
Located in Marseille, L’Épuisette restaurant offers generous, instinctive cuisine inspired by the travels and encounters of Michelin-starred chef Guillaume Sourrieu. The menu, based exclusively on seafood products, is accompanied by a wine list that is as precise as it is comprehensive, with Philipponnat Champagnes featuring prominently. The perfect pairing for any dish from one of the region’s top fish restaurants.
La Mirande** – La Mirande private house in Avignon
In Avignon, the restaurant La Mirande** is a place bursting with charm and elegance. With an 18th-Century-inspired interior design steeped in history, and a bucolic exterior set within the historic walls of the neighbouring Palais des Papes, the establishment is renowned for its two Michelin stars: one in recognition of the indisputable quality of its cuisine, and one green star for its commitment to the environment. While favouring short supply chains, organic and local produce, selective sorting and sustainable production techniques – the cellar is used to produce mushrooms and the roof to grow herbs – Michelin-starred chef Florent Pietravalle creates refined, generous, fresh cuisine, adapting the menu according to seasonal produce. These environmental and quality commitments echo those of Maison Philipponnat, making the partnership all the more obvious.
Timeless moments
AM*** in Marseille
The restaurant AM*** in the heart of Marseille has been awarded three stars in just six years, the first of these within just a few months of opening. The locavore cuisine of Michelin-starred Chef Alexandre Mazzia is resolutely Mediterranean-inspired, with original and unique combinations that invoke all five senses. For a memorable culinary souvenir, try the magical combination of chocolate and smoked eel, which brings out the delicate effervescence of Rosé Philipponnat.
Mirazur*** in Menton
Crowned with first place in the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” ranking in 2019, the Mirazur*** is a must for foodies on the Côte d’Azur. Its three Michelin stars and its green star are just reward for the synesthetic and progressive cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco. One of the most magical pairings is a dish combining crab, caviar and peach, a perfect pairing with which to enjoy the 1522 Rosé.
