It all began in Grasse on the French Riviera, but it was at the Atelier Français des Matières in Annemasse near the Swiss border that Rémi PULVERIAL and I worked hard together to get to where we are today. Perfume extraction techniques are well known, but we still had to adapt such tried and true methods to new raw materials. There were numerous combinations possible depending on the solvent used, the maceration time implemented, etc. We had to carry out all the tests that seemed to be pertinent for our project and then select the best results as our model.
Using our newly-created grapevine extracts, Delphine LANDAIS - DENTRAYGUES – who is both an olfactory expert known as a “nose” and an oenologist in Bordeaux - came up with the initial composition for the core fragrance that makes up 50% of the overall perfume formula. It is this pivotal scent that gives the perfume its singular rhythm and character. Then it was time to add complementary layers to the core fragrance, and Delphine added other extracts to render the final result even more ‘perfectly perfumy’.
Throughout the year, I cultivate three hectares of Gamay vines but with a special approach that I have fine-tuned, because, after all, the end result of my efforts is to harvest vine flowers and not grapes. I came to realize just how essential the flowering stage is, not just for determining the singular character of a vintage but also for the olfactory variations that exist in different grape varieties.
As I don't come from the world of perfume, my ideas are based on my knowledge of wine. I have no prejudices and no dependence on the formatted codes of perfume production. I have the liberty to give my perfume a dimension that is as faithful as possible to the vine flower. My current offering is a perfume produced from a single grape variety and from a single vintage.
Pauline Champ
