I am like Mary Poppins, I travel light with only one suitcase,” quips Cécile Bonnefond, president of the legendary champagne brand Veuve Clicquot, a role that keeps her on her toes literally. Bonnefond is on a business stopover in Mumbai, for the Rosé launch at Taj Mahal Palace and Towers. The French professional strikes you as charming, witty and stylish and shares her predecessor’s traits — of determination, passion and invention.

Veuve Clicquot, a part of the luxury group LVMH, gets its name from the spirited young widow Madame Barbe Clicquot Ponsardin, who took her departed husband’s fledgling winery and battled poor harvests, British blockades and a boycott of French products to turn it into a global brand. She was one of the first women to run a Champagne House. Despite this impressive legacy, Madame Clicquot remained the sole female head of the business until Bonnefond took over in 2001.

A product of the European Business School in Paris, Bonnefond’s professional trail goes back to brands like cereal-maker Kellogg’s, Häagen-Dazs and Old El Paso. As a teenager she wanted to become mayor. “Running a city is a superb challenge. But as I grew older, I learnt more about politics and the real rules of the world. I don’t want to be mayor of Paris now,” she laughs, “and besides, I don’t think running a global company is radically any different from running a city.”

Runs the company she does; that too with much élan and accountability. Her constant zeal has been for corporate and social responsibility. “As a luxury brand, I believe that you must be ethical in what you do and say. At Veuve we control the consumption of electricity and water. We’ve also limited the use of pesticides in our vineyards and are committed to other energy saving targets.” Looking after the workers also gets top priority. The company has set up the France Profit-Sharing Agreement, according to which profits are paid out to workers in addition to their remuneration. Bonnefond is also actively involved in revamping the 1843-built Champagne House with solar panels on the roof. She takes her personal obligation to the environment seriously as well; she drives only to Champagne and walks to her office in Paris!

So what does the champagne boss think about Indian wines? “They’re definitely growing in quality. People here are now more aware of wines and appreciate a good bubbly,” she replies. The fact that Indian masaledar cuisine makes it almost impossible for food pairing doesn’t bother her. “Yes it is difficult because the spices can overwhelm a refined wine. But, champagne is always served before food,” she smiles. “I am not worried, as it’s an aperitif.” Veuve Clicquot like all its counterparts wants to tap into the highly potential Indian luxury market. Bonnefond finds the taxes imposed “ridiculously high” and hopes to move on from this unnecessary hitch.

She happily offers a flute of bubbly with attractive pink glints pointing out the fruity flavour. “It’s the rose expression of the renowned yellow label. It’s elegant, round, soft and fruity combined with depth, intensity and strength in signature Veuve Clicquot style. It’s unique from the other sweet versions available,” she enthuses. She strongly recommends rosé on romantic and special occasions.

On ‘in-house’ competition from the highly coveted brands like Moet & Chandon and Don Perignon, she says,“Each of us have a consumer base and have our own roads with them. We are seen as exclusive, edgy, chic and daring.” Veuve Clicquot also has spin-offs like a picnic holdall for half bottles, jewellery and even a pink ‘love seat’ with an orange ice bucket designed by Karim Rashid. The Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year award is an accolade that’s much sought after.

If you ever raided her wine cellar you’d probably ‘pop’ by some exclusive wines — Chateau Yquem, Cheval Blanc, Bourgogne, Bordeaux and all qualities of Veuve Clicquot. Bonnefond is planning on a leisure trip to the subcontinent to nourish her love for antiques and architecture. Quiz her on her champagne popping moments and she says, “There’s always an occasion to pour out a glass of champagne. I was welcomed at the hotel late at night with a glass of Veuve Clicquot!”

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