The Proust Q&A: Erick de Sousa

Now head of his family’s namesake Champagne house, Erick de Sousa started from humble beginnings at the age of just 25 when he took over the management of the estate in Avize, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Manuel who came to France from Portugal to fight in the First World War. Since 1988, the estate has grown from three to 12 hectares and de Sousa works with his wife, Michelle while their eldest daughter, Charlotte, looks after the export sales. De Sousa is renowned for acquiring plots in the grand cru villages of Avize, Oger, Cramant, Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger, Aÿ and Ambonnay using old vines of between 50-70 years old. He speaks to dbHK about where he is happiest and putting the world to rights over a bottle of his 1989 vintage.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

To be with the person you love.

What is your greatest fear? 

To be alone and to be bored.

What is your current state of mind?

Live our dream but don’t dream our life.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

Her elegance.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Do you see what I mean?

When and where were you happiest?

At home when I feel so cosy in my cocoon

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

I think I am okay how I am.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to fly.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

To have travelled around the world.

Where would you most like to live?

In the countryside during the spring and summertime.

What is your most treasured possession?

My collection of souvenirs.

What is your most marked characteristic?

I’m afraid I have a very obstinate character.

Who is your favourite writer?

I don’t like to read – I prefer to watch movies.

What is it that you most dislike?

Liar and hypocritical people.

What is your greatest regret?

Life is too short to discover all the wonderful things of the world.

What is your motto?

The same as my current state of mind: Live our dream but don’t dream our life.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve?

My best friends and we will drink our favourite wine, while changing the world through our talking: Coche-Dury Meursault, Champagne De Sousa 1989 and Tokaji Oremus.