The Proust Q&A: Didier Mariotti

G.H. Mumm’s chief cellar master, Didier Mariotti has been with the Reims-based Champagne house since 2003 where he followed in the footsteps of Dominique Demarville. His first vintage was the “shy” 2006 and due to the region’s surge of interest in Champagne, he recently took the decision to rerelease three of Mumm’s best vintages over the last 30 years to the Asia market.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness would be to realise all of my dreams.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is to be alone in the world.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire far too many people and for a vast variety of reasons to list them all.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagances are wine and music.

What is your current state of mind?

My current state of mine is carpe diem.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

The qualities I most like in a woman are humour, spontaneity and sensualism.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

The greatest loves of my life are my wife and daughter.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I am not a big talker actually, so I don’t believe I overuse any phrases.

When and where were you happiest?

I have been the happiest in Corsica with my family and friends.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything because I don’t believe you should ever regret who you are.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be a more talented golfer.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I can’t answer yet because too much remains to be done.

Where would you most like to live?

I would most like to live in Corsica.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family and friends are my most treasured possessions.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My determination is my most prominent characteristic.

Who is your favourite writer?

Alexandre Dumas is my favourite author.

Who is your hero of fiction?

The Silver Surfer is my favourite fictional hero!

What is it that you most dislike?

I strongly dislike hypocrisy.

What is your greatest regret? 

I don’t like to live with regrets.

What is your motto?

My motto is to always do your best.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve?

My ideal dinner party would include my family and friends in Corsica with Mumm Blanc de Blancs, Chambertin and Clos Saint Jacques