Émilien Boutillat takes the helm at Bollinger as new Chef de Cave, leading the house into its bicentenary celebrations. [ read the full champagne story ]
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One of Champagne’s most closely watched appointments has now been confirmed. Émilien Boutillat, the acclaimed Chef de Cave behind Piper-Heidsieck and Rare Champagne, is set to join the prestigious house of Champagne Bollinger as its new Chef de Cave.
Bicentenary celebrations in 2029
The move marks a significant moment for Bollinger as the historic house prepares for its bicentenary celebrations in 2029. Renowned for its unwavering commitment to Pinot Noir, extensive reserve wine program and barrel-aged winemaking philosophy, Bollinger has long been regarded as one of Champagne’s most distinctive and revered producers.
Impressive résumé
Boutillat arrives with an impressive résumé despite still being under 40 years of age. A trained oenologist and agricultural engineer from Montpellier SupAgro, he has built experience across some of the wine world’s most respected estates, including Château Margaux in Bordeaux, Domaine de la Solitude in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and wineries in New Zealand, Chile, California and South Africa before returning to his native Champagne.
His rise through the Champagne ranks has been rapid. After serving as cellar master at Cattier and contributing to the development of Armand de Brignac, Boutillat was appointed Chef de Cave at Piper-Heidsieck in 2018. There, he quickly established himself as one of the region’s most talented winemakers, earning widespread recognition for his precision, modern outlook and ability to balance innovation with respect for house tradition.
At Bollinger, his challenge will be both enviable and demanding. The house’s identity is among the strongest in Champagne, built around powerful Pinot Noir-driven wines, extensive ageing and a distinctive oxidative complexity that has captivated collectors for generations. Preserving that signature style while guiding the house into a new era will be one of the most closely followed stories in Champagne over the coming years.
Bollinger’s leadership has expressed confidence that Boutillat’s international experience, technical expertise and deep understanding of Pinot Noir make him ideally suited to steward the next chapter of the house’s history. The appointment also reflects a broader generational shift taking place across Champagne, with a new wave of highly educated, internationally experienced winemakers assuming leadership roles at many of the region’s leading maisons.
For Boutillat, the appointment represents both a professional milestone and a formidable responsibility. Few positions in the wine world carry the same weight as Chef de Cave at Bollinger. Yet his track record suggests he is well equipped for the challenge.
As Champagne looks toward a future shaped by climate change, evolving consumer tastes and increasing emphasis on sustainability, Bollinger’s decision signals a desire to remain faithful to its heritage while embracing thoughtful evolution. With Émilien Boutillat now entrusted with the house’s wines, the journey toward Bollinger’s 200th anniversary promises to be one worth following closely.
