Wine Situation Final Five: Alice Tétienne

The Wine Situation hosts everyone from winemakers to writers to find out what a person’s situation is…with wine. At the end of each episode, host Ellen Clifford wants to know the basics of her guests’ final thoughts on wine, drink and food. This month, Ellen talks with Alice Tétienne, the Cellar Master of Champagne Henriot! This was edited for length. Ellen: Question number one: What are you drinking these days? Alice: I drink a lot of things. I drink a lot of wine, and I really enjoy Italian wines! From the north, from Piemonte. I drink French wines, of course: Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Rhône, the Loire. I am very open. I like to discover new things. Ellen: Question number two is, do you have a favorite or unusual pairing? Alice: Champagne and sushi. That’s amazing. Ellen: Question number three: Favorite snack? Alice: Pasta. Because with pasta, you can do many versions. It is magic. Simple. You can make something with emotions, with a beautiful sauce, beautiful ingredients, but the backbone is always pasta. Ellen: Question number four: If not wine, what do you like to drink? Alice: I love cocktails. In the summer, I drink a lot of spritzes—with Champagne! Because I think a good cocktail is about good ingredients. And thanks to Italy we have wonderful spritz recipes. I love a Limoncello spritz with Blanc de Blanc—it’s fantastic! Ellen: Question number five: What is bringing you joy these days? Alice: Many things! I’m a person who’s very happy with nothing. I’m very positive, very optimistic, and if I have nature, I am very happy. Want to read more from Ellen? Check out her recent articles: To the Occasion, Fit the Bubble The Grape That Changed My Life Old World v. New Bordeaux Blends New Zealand, Sustainability, Forethought You can also listen to Ellen's podcast The Wine Situation here.