New cellar manager for Thiénot Champagne

Nicolas Uriel has been named as the new cellar manager for Thiénot Champagne, while the previous incumbent will devote himself to Canard-Duchêne.

Uriel (pictured) began working at the house as vineyard relations manager in 2008 and then began to train under Thiénot’s winemaker, Laurent Fédou, who had been cellarmaster since the house was founded in 1985. The pair has been working together on Thiénot’s blends for the past 10 years.

“Having worked with Nicolas for all these years, I have every confidence in handing him the responsibility for continuing to create the Thiénot style,” said Fédou.

A qualified agricultural engineer and oenologist, Uriel has previously worked in the Loire, Burgundy, Luexembourg and New Zealand.

Stanislas Thiénot commented: “Having worked alongside Laurent Fédou for 10 years, Nicolas has the knowledge and experience to create the house style of the wines of our family business for many years to come.

“Nicolas knows and understands the vineyards, and the work involved, and is a very good people manager, so we have every confidence that he will do a very good job.”

Fédou will now be entirely involved with the winemaking duties at Canard-Duchêne, a brand acquired by the Thiénot family in 2003. He will also take on the role of international ambassador for the group.