Cover Frédéric Rouzaud, the chief executive officer of Louis Roederer
Frédéric Rouzaud, the chief executive officer of Louis Roederer
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Louis Roederer has thrived for centuries under the stewardship of seven generations. Its current CEO reveals how an unwavering commitment to quality and the freedom to innovate have preserved this prestigious legacy
In the prestigious world of champagne, Louis Roederer stands as a rare gem—one of the few remaining independent, family-owned maisons in France. This remarkable legacy is now in the capable hands of Frédéric Rouzaud, a seventh-generation family member and the house’s current chief executive officer, who remains deeply committed to upholding its storied traditions.
Speaking with Tatler, Rouzaud recounts how his great-grandmother worked tirelessly during challenging times to sell their champagnes across the Atlantic, ensuring the family business’s survival. Her determination not only kept the maison afloat when independent houses were being acquired by large corporations, but also laid the groundwork for expansion beyond champagne. Today, the house is celebrated worldwide for both Louis Roederer and its prestige cuvée, Cristal, as well as the acclaimed sparkling wines from its estates across the globe.
Last December, Singapore Airlines introduced Cristal 2015 exclusively to its suites and first-class cabins’ beverage programme.
This entrepreneurial spirit, Rouzaud explains, has been integral to the Louis Roederer champagne house since its founding in Reims in 1776. Perhaps no one embodied this visionary approach more than Louis Roederer himself, who inherited the maison from his uncle and made the bold decision to acquire 15 hectares of vineyards in 1845—a move questioned at the time but one that ultimately established the foundation of the maison’s enduring legacy.
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The pursuit of taste
Like the exquisite champagne his family produces, Rouzaud embodies finesse and elegance. During our conversation, he reveals the secrets behind the maison’s longevity. Central to their philosophy is what he calls “the pursuit of taste”, a guiding principle that shapes everything they do.
“Modern technology is here to aid the quality of wine we produce,” Rouzaud explains. “80 per cent of the work is done in the vineyard with the best of modern tools bringing precision to our process.” With ownership of over 240 hectares of vineyards in Champagne—purchasing only a percentage of the grapes they use—Louis Roederer maintains exceptional control over their vines and, consequently, their wines.
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Rouzaud also possesses the vision to anticipate challenges ahead. “Things are constantly changing,” he reminds us. “It’s important to be creative and to experience new things.” This forward-thinking approach was evident when, together with chef de caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, Rouzaud created the multi-vintage champagne Louis Roederer Collection in 2019.
Replacing their signature NV Brut Reserve, Collection 242 emerged from the realisation that their Brut Reserve deserved greater attention. The bold decision to discontinue the Brut Premier and introduce the Brut Collection series reinvigorated their portfolio, focusing on the base year and composition of each champagne. The number 242 (which changes annually) reflects the 242nd blend in the house’s history. With a refreshed image and premium positioning, this new cuvée perfectly embodies their pursuit of taste.
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Global expansion
In 1982, the family looked beyond France to the United States. In Mendocino County, California, Rouzaud’s father Jean-Claude discovered a climate reminiscent of Champagne and established Roederer Estate in the Anderson Valley, producing exceptional sparkling wine. Importantly, the family never aimed to replicate Champagne in America; instead, Roederer Estate developed its own distinctive style, respecting its unique terroir and working harmoniously with nature to create something special and highly successful.
Not limiting their expertise to wines, the family expanded their prestigious portfolio by acquiring the Hotel Christiania in Val d'Isère, France in 2018.
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Guiding philosophy
Each of Louis Roederer’s businesses operates independently, with its own CEO and distribution channels. The secret to maintaining cohesion across this diverse portfolio? Adhering to the family’s core philosophy throughout every venture. In Phuket, for example, working with Thailand’s importer, the world’s first and only Louis Roederer Cristal Room opened at the Terra Restaurant in the House of Tin Baron, redefining luxury and celebration on the island. Rouzaud believes in granting importers creative freedom, provided they respect and embody the family's philosophy.
To ensure this alignment, Rouzaud carefully selects team members who understand this philosophy and share the family’s values and passion.
For Rouzad, time is essential in crafting every detail. The family recognises that there is no quick return on investment when pursuing excellence. “To make the best champagne possible,” he says, “one must do their best, no matter how long it takes.”
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Looking to the future
What does the future hold for this storied maison? Rouzaud believes the next generation should feel no pressure to join the business—they have the freedom to forge their own paths. If necessary, he is open to bringing in outside leadership, though he emphasises that all shares will remain within the family. His children, currently aged 23, 20, and 11, are encouraged simply to enjoy and appreciate wine. They participate in pruning and enjoy spending time in the vineyards, but there is no expectation for deeper involvement.
Rouzaud candidly shares his own journey, noting that he joined the company at 30 after initially resisting working with his father at age 20. Instead, he began his career specialising in vineyard appraisal and sales. “When one is so fortunate to be part of such a family as mine,” he admits, “it’s difficult to resist the mission.”
“Each generation has brought something different to Roederer—something special and unique, be it culture or spirit,” he reflects. “Each has contributed a philosophy that has made Louis Roederer what it is today.”
Today, the Rouzaud family oversees 11 estates across the globe, from Portugal to the United States, with their legacy thriving through thoughtful expansion. “Family values, purity of the wines, and a sense of place—it’s magical for me,” Rouzad shares. “I'm living my dream every day.” With boundless energy and numerous long-term projects in development—perhaps even a new winery in Italy—the story of Louis Roederer continues to evolve while remaining rooted in tradition and excellence.
Credits
Images: Chin Fan
