Champagne has had a rude awakening after being jilted by one of its most decorated winemakers in favor of a move to Italy. The news that Cyril Brun, chef de cave at Charles Heidsieck until a few months ago, decided to leave the region to take up the position of enologist and technical director at Ferrari in Italy's Trentodoc appellation, has sent shock waves through the Champagne region.

Brun will follow in the footsteps of Ruben Larentis, Ferrari's winemaker for the past 37 years, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC) in 2019.