Flute, cup, goblet… what should you drink champagne in? To answer this question and highlight its know-how in this sector, the Lehman glassworks in Reims (more than 12 million glasses sold in 2023) is launching unique tasting workshops. After immersing the reception room in darkness, the participants (maximum 6 people) discover the history of glass thanks to video mapping, a technique that allows you to project a video onto volumes, often used for monuments during evening shows.
Distributed on a placemat where 5 different glasses are carefully arranged, the mapping is commented on by Diane Nunes, customer experience and public relations manager at Lehmann, who designed this workshop from A to Z. After having worked in several champagne houses, where She eventually felt cramped and joined Lehmann, whose headquarters are in a private building on Boulevard Lundy.
Don’t stress the bubble
After ten minutes of stories and anecdotes about glass, the second part of the workshop focuses on tasting using the 5 glasses provided: cup, flute, traditional glass, “Grand Champagne” glass » and glasses signed by the Reims brand. The idea is to evaluate the tasting according to different criteria: effervescence, flavours, aesthetics of the glass, etc. using a provided notebook.
In addition to individual preferences, what is at stake here is to understand why there is such a difference between all these containers. “If we take the glass for example, the loss at the bubble level occurs at a crazy speed, because the contact surface between the air and the wine is too large, the bubble has dispersed, completely stressed,” explains Diane Nunes.
This immersive workshop proposed since the beginning of October, fun and educational, is a way to support the presence of the historic glassmaker in France, but also at a local level. Last September, Matthieu Marquis-Bouatta, who succeeded Gérard Lehmann, founding president of the house of the same name, illustrated his strategy in the columns of “l’Union”: “We wanted to take care of our welcome in Reims, with a construction site almost two years inside our private villa. The showroom-boutique accessible to visitors, the window reserved for professionals and our reception room. »
The first brick in Lehmann’s strategy of opening up to the general public, this “Glass Academy” could also give rise to others, this time with spirits.
At the same time, Lehmann plans to invest in its “decor” factory in Orbais l’Abbaye, near Épernay, where production now reaches 1 million glasses a month. “The glassware market, especially the premium one, is dominated by our German colleagues. Our ambition is to become the French brand of tasting glasses,” recalls Matthieu Marquis-Bouatta.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Diane Nunes, Glassware Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Diane! The workshops by Lehmann glassworks sound fascinating. What inspired the idea of pairing champagne tasting with different glass types?
Diane Nunes: Thank you for having me! The idea sprang from my passion for both champagne and glass. Having experienced different approaches at various champagne houses, I realized that the glass used can significantly influence the tasting experience. By engaging people in a multisensory workshop that combines history, design, and tasting, we can deepen their appreciation for champagne and elevating their overall experience.
Time.news Editor: That’s such an insightful perspective. You mentioned using video mapping to present the history of glass. How does this technique enhance the participants’ experience?
Diane Nunes: Video mapping, while commonly used for monuments, adds an immersive element to our workshop. It casts a dramatic backdrop that engages participants, making the learning process feel alive. In the darkness of the reception room, participants watch the history of glass unfold around them as they explore the craft visually and texturally, connecting them to the heritage behind the glasses and the champagne they will taste.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a unique experience! During the tasting portion, how do you guide guests in evaluating the different glasses?
Diane Nunes: We provide participants with a notebook to jot down their thoughts and observations. They’ll taste with five different glasses—a cup, flute, traditional glass, ”Grand Champagne” glass, and our signature glass. They evaluate aspects like effervescence, flavor retention, and aesthetics of the glass. It’s a personal and reflective process that encourages open discussion and helps participants understand the nuances between each glass type.
Time.news Editor: It seems that understanding the differences in glass design is crucial. Could you elaborate on how these distinctions affect the tasting experience?
Diane Nunes: Absolutely! Each glass is designed with specific characteristics that interact differently with the champagne. For instance, a flute is often sleek and tapered to preserve the bubbles, enhancing effervescence. On the other hand, a traditional glass may allow for a wider surface area, intensifying the aroma. By experimenting with these glasses, participants can physically feel and taste the differences, leading to a richer appreciation of the drink.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a very enlightening experience. With over 12 million glasses sold in 2023, what trends have you noticed in consumer preferences regarding champagne glassware?
Diane Nunes: There’s a growing appreciation for artisanal and beautifully crafted glassware, as well as a trend toward personalized experiences. Consumers are not just looking for functionality; they want aesthetics that enhance their dining experiences. More people are becoming aware that the right glass can not only elevate the tasting experience of champagne, but also serve as a statement piece during gatherings and celebrations.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Lehmann is in tune with what modern consumers want. what do you hope participants take away from your workshops?
Diane Nunes: I hope participants leave with a newfound understanding and respect for the art of glassmaking and how it connects to the enjoyment of champagne. I want them to feel empowered in their choices and more engaged in the tasting experience. Ultimately, it’s about creating memorable moments centered around a great glass of champagne—and perhaps inspiring them to explore and share this knowledge with their friends and family.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Diane! Your insights into the relationship between glassware and champagne tasting are truly enlightening. We look forward to seeing how these workshops evolve and continue to educate and inspire champagne lovers.