Proust Q&A: Yannick Champ

Yannick Champ is the young, dynamic winemaker and manager of Domaine Prieure Roch in Nuit-Saint-Georges. Growing up in Paris and initially wanting to become a physician, Champ eventually fell in love with winemaking and has worked alongside Domaine owner, Henry-Frédéric Roch for 15 years ever since he was 22. Champ lives in Nuit-Saint-Georges with his wife and two young sons and speaks to dbHK about his fear of spiders and inviting Marilyn Monroe for dinner.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with my wife and kids. I was travelling a lot in November and December last year for three weeks. When I came home, I realised that I had been away from my two boys for so long and it was so difficult for them. Business is important of course, but family is even more so.

What is your greatest fear? 

Spiders.

Which living person do you most admire?

Henry Roch. I was born in Paris and so I grew up without any contact with vines but Henry gave me the opportunity to manage the business when I was so young. I respect him so much for his vision for the vineyard.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Wine and watches.

What is your current state of mind? 

I feel really good. I love being in Asia. Apart from Singapore – I hate the weather.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

Seeing how happy my wife is with our kids. She makes it look so natural and it’s a pleasure to see that.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

My large, extended family all over the world. Even my friends in Hong Kong I regard as members of my family.

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

To be younger.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be musical. I love classical music and have many friends in the industry. To listen to what they are able to do with their instruments is amazing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I still feel like I’m getting there. As soon as you think you have arrived, it means that you really have not. You always have to think that you will do better tomorrow.

Where would you most like to live?

I love living in Burgundy, it’s wonderful for for the kids. I love Nuit-Saint-Georges.

What is your most treasured possession?

My weekend house in Beaujolais. During the week, I live 100m from the office which is nice for work but then we go to Beaujolais for the weekend and I can properly switch off.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I have to have everything in order. Sometimes I can’t sleep because I am focusing on my job. I can wake up at 2 or 3am and go into the winery. I’m also very dependable, people have told me that they can put their absolute faith in me.

Who is your favourite writer?

I don’t read romance or fiction, I don’t need to dream. I only read scientific books. At the moment I’m reading Capital in the 21^st Century by Thomas Piketty.

What is it that you most dislike?

False people. You can’t love everyone, but everyone deserves respect.

What is your greatest regret? 

Not completing my medical studies. I love winemaking but I love the idea of being a doctor too.

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

Johann-Sebastien Bach, Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe and I would serve them my Clos de Beze.