A Family Legacy from Champagne to Burgundy

The Chandon de Briailles name has its roots in the celebrated history of Moët & Chandon, founded in 1743 by Claude Moët. Almost a century later, in 1832, Pierre-Gabriel Chandon de Briailles joined his brother-in-law Victor Moët in the management of the Champagne house, beginning the family’s long association with one of France’s most renowned wine dynasties. From this lineage came a legacy that would continue to shape the history of Champagne and, ultimately, the development of the modern luxury industry.

The family’s story was to extend beyond Champagne. In 1834, a member of the Chandon de Briailles family acquired the historic estate at Savigny les Beaune, establishing a Burgundy connection that has endured for almost two centuries. The Domaine Chandon de Briailles subsequently passed through generations of the family before being inherited by Count Aymard-Claude de Nicolay from his grandmother, the Countess Chandon de Briailles.

The estate remains in the de Nicolay family today. Count Aymard-Claude and his wife, Countess Nadine de Nicolay, took responsibility for the domaine, with Nadine playing a particularly important role in its revival from the 1980s. Their children, Claude and François de Nicolay, later assumed the running of the estate, continuing a family tradition that links the Burgundy domaine to the wider Chandon heritage.
This family connection provides an important link between the world of Comte Frédéric Chandon de Briailles and the celebrated Burgundy estate that bears his family name. While Frédéric's career took him from the historic Champagne house of Moët & Chandon to the creation of Moët-Hennessy and ultimately the formation of LVMH, the Chandon de Briailles name continued through the de Nicolay family at Savigny les Beaune.

The Man Behind the Name

Frédéric's achievements in business were matched by a reputation for being calm, thoughtful and discreet. Those who knew him remembered his ability to listen, his generosity and his natural talent for putting people at ease. He preferred to work quietly behind the scenes rather than seek the limelight, relying on diplomacy, trust and strong personal relationships.

He joined Moët & Chandon in 1956, following a period at Monsavon, then part of L’Oréal. As co-manager alongside Paul Chandon-Moët and Robert-Jean de Vogüé, he brought a measured and thoughtful approach to the company's leadership. His ability to listen, delegate and negotiate helped shape the direction of Moët & Chandon during a period of significant growth.

Beyond the boardroom, Frédéric was a generous host who enjoyed bringing people together. His home at Laferté became a place for family, friends and colleagues to gather for hunting weekends and dinners, with fine wine and lively conversation always at the heart of the occasion. Travel, motor racing and sport were also important parts of his life, with Moët & Chandon's involvement in Formula One racing, providing a natural meeting point between his personal interests and the public image of the house.

Building a Luxury Empire

Frédéric's greatest professional legacy lies in the transformation of Moët & Chandon from a historic Champagne house into part of a much broader luxury group.

During the late 1960s and 1970s, he was involved in the acquisition of Ruinart and Mercier, as well as the gradual acquisition of stakes in Christian Dior Parfums. These developments reflected a clear vision for a group whose businesses could complement one another, both financially and in terms of reputation.

International expansion was equally important. Frédéric was involved in the development of sparkling wine operations in California, Argentina and Brazil, extending the reach of the Moët name well beyond France.

In 1971, the merger of Moët & Chandon and Hennessy created Moët-Hennessy, bringing together two of France's most distinguished names in luxury. Frédéric worked closely with Killian Hennessy, helping to establish the foundations of the group that would eventually become part of one of the world's largest luxury conglomerates.

From Moët-Hennessy to LVMH

The next significant chapter came in 1987, when Moët-Hennessy merged with Louis Vuitton to create LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.

The early years of the new group were challenging, and Frédéric played an important role in maintaining the integrity of Moët-Hennessy and building confidence between the different parties. His instinct for diplomacy and consensus was particularly valuable at a time of considerable uncertainty.

Frédéric's contribution to the formation of LVMH illustrates his distinctive style of leadership. He was not necessarily the most visible figure in the room, but his intelligence, discretion and ability to build mutual trust allowed him to play a significant role in one of the defining developments in the history of the luxury industry.

The Collection

Beyond his professional achievements, Frédéric's collection offers a glimpse into his private life and the interests he pursued throughout it. Art, design, wine, hospitality, travel, sport and craftsmanship are all reflected in the objects he gathered over the years.

The collection to be offered by Dreweatts encompasses various categories, including silver, wine, furniture, sculpture, works of art and luxury accessories. Together, they offer an insight into the life, family and interests of a man whose career helped transform Moët & Chandon and shape the development of the modern luxury industry.

The full programme of auctions featuring pieces from the collection of the late Frédéric Chandon is:

• 22 September: Fine Silver & The Art of Dining | Browse the collection
• 30 September: Fine Wine, Champagne, Vintage Port & Spirits
• 27 & 28 October: Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics & Works of Art
• 3 November: Old Master, British & European Art
• 5 November: Art & Interiors
• 19 November: Fine Watches & Luxury Accessories

Collection Highlights

Auction Details

Auction location: Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | info@dreweatts.com 
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com

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