SMART THINKING

Meet Perrier-Jouët’s latest and first-ever female Cellar Master, Séverine Frerson.

Some roles in the wine or spirits sector are so specialised that it can take more than a few years to understudy, train and master a specific craft. The master blenders of whiskies and champagnes are two examples of this. Handing over the reins to a successor is planned for several years in advance and only when the person with the same exacting standards and vision is ready can they step in with guaranteed success. With just seven cellar masters in more than 200 years, Perrier-Jouët has recently enjoyed an extraordinary moment in its history when Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps handed over his position to Séverine Frerson, his successor. She is also the first woman to hold this position at the Perrier-Jouët house. Along with the historic cellar books containing the notes and observations of all his predecessors, and the key to the legendary EDEN cellar, where the most precious vintages are kept, Hervé Deschamps has handed over to his successor the responsibility for perpetuating the unique intricate floral style of Maison Perrier-Jouët.