The Marilisa Allegrini Group is embarking on a new journey that will take it from Verona to France for the first time, right into the heart of the Côte des Blancs in Avize. For the Italian market exclusively, the Group will begin the distribution of wines from Maison Odyssée, founded by Olivier Bonville and Ferdinand Ruelle as a project of geographical exploration dedicated to the many identities of Champagne. This new, prestigious, and unprecedented partnership is first and foremost underpinned by an affinity of vision and expertise. Both entities share a deep respect for winegrowing regions with superb viticultural potential, a proven ability to interpret their differences, and an exciting desire to convey their identity.

“Our Group is growing, and growth means continuing to seek out beauty beyond what we already know. Our partnership with Champagne Odyssée stems from our shared sensibility and vision. Entering the Champagne region, starting with Avize and the Côte des Blancs, represents an important step for us. It is not merely an expansion of our portfolio, but the beginning of a new journey of discovery. This curiosity, combined with our constant pursuit of excellence, allows us to evolve while highlighting the stories we bring to Italy”, explains Marilisa Allegrini, awarded Knight of the Order of Merit for Labor (‘Cavaliere del Lavoro’) and President of the family-owned Marilisa Allegrini Group.

From Verona to Avize. This Grand Cru village, the symbol of the Côte des Blancs and deeply rooted in the tradition of Chardonnay, marks the culmination of Marilisa Allegrini’s journey and the beginning of a project led by Olivier Bonville and Ferdinand Ruelle. In restored historic stables transformed into a state-of-the-art cuverie, a line dedicated entirely to this grape variety is being developed. The vineyards span ten hectares across some of the Côte des Blancs’ most prestigious crus: Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. In each of these crus, every plot is carefully observed and interpreted to capture the specific characteristics of the terroir, exposure, and chalky soil - the ‘craie’ - which retains water and gradually releases it to the roots. The name itself, Odyssée, reaffirms the maison’s authentic calling as a journey of knowledge and discovery. The project begins in Avize, a place deeply synonymous with Chardonnay, and gradually traverses the entire geography of Champagne, embracing its infinite expressions. Thanks to distribution by Marilisa Allegrini, this journey can now be experienced in Italy as well.

The Marilisa Allegrini Group’s range begins with two labels, both of which are 100% Chardonnay Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs: Champagne Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs and Champagne Millésime 2017 Extra Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs. These two wines share a similar style, offering notes of freshness, creaminess, elegance, and a recognizable briny note that is the hallmark of Odyssée.