The Reims Commercial Court liquidates six companies of winemaker Didier Chopin

Over there champagne house Didier Chopinlocated on Champlat-et-Boujacourtsouthwest of Reimsis at the heart of a matter of fake champagne that has been shaking up the profession since 2023. Justice accuses Didier Chopin of producing and selling 1.8 million bottles of fake champagne. Grateful to the tune of 16 million eurosthis is evident from what is reported France Bluesix Didier Chopin companies were placed judicial liquidation early 2024. In addition, lots of Vine with an area of ​​1.8 hectares winemakerlocated in Champlat-et-Boujacourtwere sold on April 25 by the Reims Commercial Court to the SAFER Grand-Est, the Land Development and Rural Establishment Company, for 1.8 million euros. “

The story of a deception

In 2023, a former employee of the House of Chopin accuses its ex-CEO, the Marnais Didier Chopin, “of manufacturing ‘fake champagne’, based on imported wines, CO2 and liqueur”, reported again France Blue in August 2023. » A winegrower from the Marne is suspected of selling thousands of bottles of fake champagne. Didier Chopin, who produces champagne in Champlat-et-Boujacourt, in Marne, and sparkling wine near Soissons, in Aisne, is accused by one of his former employees of importing wines from Ardèche or even Spain to reduce CO2 and liqueur, and pass it off as champagne. “

This former employee specified that “up to 1.8 million bottles were sold, ‘between ten and twenty euros’, in France and abroad.”

According to an employee, still quoted by France Bleu, “everything went well, until April 2022, when the banks decided to no longer follow the Chopin company. And this is where she says everything changes. » The wine recipe would have changed and she assures » that from this moment on, the yellow bottles are replaced by green ones, boxes of champagne corks arrive and the drink changes its appearance. “

In addition, about twenty testimonials on the internet page of the Didier Chopin House express their disappointment, including this one: “Undrinkable, green in color and not sparkling, what a disappointment to celebrate my birthday with such a drink. Not recommended, absolutely avoid! Shame for wine growing. » This other person writes again: » Champagne bought at the wine fair. A real disaster. Few bubbles and taste of old sparkling wine.

Finally, France Blue specified in 2023: “Didier Chopin, whom we contacted, in turn did not respond to our interview requests. But to our colleagues from The Union, he denounced “unfounded” and “shameful” accusations. “

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.