The shepard confirmed signs of theft for flock of 14 sheep
The famous French champagne company is investigating the theft of 14 animals that are used for eco-friendly viticulture purposes for the vineyard located near the Aÿ village. The shepherd tending to the flock notified the vineyard owner that the sheep’s sudden disappearance points to theft.
Sheep grazing in a Champagne vineyard used by Moët & Chandon have reportedly been stolen…. https://t.co/oQch5Y1BSS #wine
— Decanter (@Decanter) January 12, 2021
The property has a solar-powered electric fence to prevent the sheep from wandering off the property but further investigation on Jan. 2 indicates the solar panel from the fence was removed. Without the solar panel, the electric fence has now the power to reinforce the animals and deter trespassers.
For now, no arrests have been made but they are looking for leads on the possible culprits. These missing sheep will be deterring Moët & Chandon’s plans for creating a sustainable vineyard for the future.
Champagne is a gift from the Earth, and Moët creates sustainably at every level of winemaking. Taking care of the miraculous land that grows the grapes used in each bottle of Moët is a priority every day. #EarthDay #MoetMoment pic.twitter.com/VXxkPTke68
— Moët & Chandon (@MoetUSA) April 22, 2020
Moët & Chandon are currently testing new forms of sustainable farming in the Champagne region and the sheep were utilized in a trail of eco-pasture for the vineyard. More vineyards are considering eco-friendly alternatives and cutting back on using herbicide sprays using sheep as an alternative. In 2020 the parent company of Moët & Chandon, Moët Hennessy, announced its commitment to ending the use of pesticides for the vineyards.
Moët Hennessy has also committed to supporting growers under contract to become certified sustainable and setting up a ‘University of Living Soils’ program to encourage best practicing and promote the sharing of knowledge. Moët Hennessy is the wine and spirits division of the luxury goods firm LVMH who will be investing €20 million to a sustainable viticulture research center in Champagne.
