Uncorked: Paul Beavis, Champagne Lanson

The boss of Lanson Champagne UK since 2009, Paul Beavis speaks to the drinks business about his love of Pinot Noir and how ice cream is his biggest vice.

What Vintage are you? 

1970. Quoted by Robert Parker: “above average – excellent”.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

My father used to work for the US Government and as a result of travelling around the world, I was fortunate enough to try so many amazing and priceless vintages.

Ambition or talent – what matters more?

I was once told you need both in equal measure. Oh, and bloody hard work!

What would you be as a wine?

I’d be Pinot Noir – reliable and extremely versatile!

Where are you happiest?

On a beach somewhere – or running!

What’s your greatest vice?

Ice cream – any flavour!

Best advice you ever got?

“10×2” – if it is to be it is up to me! (ten words of only two letters).

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

First of all I’d rescue my i-phone; and then I’d dive in after my Noble Cuvée Blanc de Blanc 2000.

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?

Best: dynamism in the category and the level of knowledge and expertise there is within the industry. Worst: speed of decision making can be very slow.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

100/100.

Desert island vine?

Pinot Noir.

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

I don’t want to die!