On a warm Parisian evening in late May, Moët & Chandon unveiled The Legacy Case – a dazzling collector’s edition champagne tribute celebrating two icons: Benoît and long-time ambassador Roger.
Held at the Pavillon Ledoyen, a three-Michelin-starred enclave tucked off the Champs-Élysées, the soirée marked more than just a milestone. It was a meeting point of memory and meaning. A moment to reflect on what it means to dedicate decades to craft – whether it’s perfecting the arc of a serve or the curve of a vintage. And, yes, Your LuxuryAfrica was there.
We joined a tight circle of international press and friends of the Maison, which included YLA’s Managing Director Yvonne Shaff, for an evening of storytelling and the rarest of pairings: an eight-bottle champagne case housed in a custom Rimowa trunk. But before the dinner, I got the chance to virtually interview Benoît and Roger and talk about their friendship, greatness, and historical milestones.
A case built on friendship
When Roger Federer appears on my laptop screen and I hear that distinct Swiss accent, I feel as though I’m experiencing a vivid fever dream. It’s one of those surreal but nice moments where you can either keep it together or totally put your foot in it. Thankfully, next to him is Moët & Chandon’s Chef de Cave Benoît Gouez, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person in South Africa nine years ago. Benoît’s presence allows the fangirl in me to not embarrass myself in front of one of the greatest tennis players of all time, who also happens to be half-South African. And let me tell you, Roger is as warm and nice as you think he is, and it was a privilege to speak to him exclusively next to one of his friends.
So, what do you get when a master of bubbles and a master of backhands come together? A collector’s dream, a connoisseur’s delight, and a friend’s tribute all rolled into one.
At the centre of it all is Benoît, who celebrates 20 years as Cellar Master of Moët & Chandon. To mark the occasion, he created The Legacy Case – a curated selection of seven Grand Vintage Collection champagnes spanning 1998 to 2009, and one pièce de résistance: the Collection Impériale Création No. 1.
But this isn’t just about his legacy. “I aimed to select vintages that are significant for both of us,” says Benoît of the vintages featured in the case. “Each vintage tells a different story. For me, it’s about the year’s climate and the decisions made. For Roger, it’s about milestones like winning his first Wimbledon Championship, his first Grand Slam, and becoming world number one in 2004.”
The story starts in 1998 – a rainy year, both literally and metaphorically. “I remember 1998 as a year with constant rain, which only stopped for the harvest. It was quite depressing,” Benoît says with a laugh. “Yet it turned out to be one of the finest vintages ever in Champagne – a true Champagne miracle.” That same year, Roger turned professional.
In many ways, The Legacy Case is a time capsule. Not just of grapes and weather patterns, but of emotion, moments, and shared history. “I’ve travelled extensively, including through my role as a brand ambassador for Rimowa,” says Roger. “Time is crucial in both champagne making and as a professional athlete, it often feels like it’s slipping away. This Legacy Case is a special way to reflect on my career and the memories we’ve created together.”
That’s where Rimowa enters the picture. The German luggage Maison, known for its grooved aluminium cases and enduring design, partnered with Moët & Chandon to build the ultimate champagne travel companion. Crafted in anodised aluminium and fitted with black leather handles and TSA locks, it blends sleek functionality with old-world luxury. It’s designed to be both displayed and travelled with – though I suspect most collectors won’t dare let it out of sight.
Sipping for a cause
While the case is exclusive – only three exist – its impact is far-reaching. All proceeds go to the Roger Federer Foundation, which celebrates its 21st year supporting education in Southern Africa and Switzerland.
“I’m delighted we could celebrate Benoît’s 20 years and also focus on giving back through the Legacy Case,” Roger says. “My foundation started with a project in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and to see it grow to over three million children helped – that’s something I’m very proud of.”
And that’s what makes this collaboration shine: it’s not just about prestige or sparkle, it’s about meaning. As Benoît says, “Sometimes we implement things, which will go beyond us in time. That is the true meaning of legacy.”
There’s an ease and quiet chemistry between the two men; the reserved precision of Benoît and the relaxed charm of Roger. It’s a rare thing to watch two accomplished people speak not of accolades, but of appreciation. Roger tells me about his last visit to South Africa, hanging out with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and his love for safari, while I remind Benoît that he chastised me once for keeping champagne for too long: ‘it’s meant to be enjoyed, so drink it’.
“Meeting people from different backgrounds who are all striving for perfection is something I can relate to deeply,” Roger reflects. “My time with Moët & Chandon over the past 12 years has been fantastic and encountering people like Benoît has been both a thrill and an honour.”
It’s a sentiment Benoît shares. “Each Grand Vintage is original, my free interpretation, and completely unique,” he says. Like a Federer backhand, no two are quite the same, but all are unmistakably his.
So, what does legacy taste like?
It tastes like patience. Like risk. Like rain that surprises you. It bubbles with purpose and shimmers with joy. And it’s better when shared – a message Moët & Chandon has carried since its founding in 1743.
As we wrap up so the two friends can get ready for the soirée, one thing is clear: whether on the court or in the cellar, greatness isn’t made in a moment. It’s built – bottle by bottle, match by match, year by year – with care, character, and just a little bit of magic.
