Interview: Alexandre Vingtier about Mont Blanc Vodka

[Advertorial] Vodka stands for clarity, purity and character – Mont Blanc Vodka combines precisely these qualities in a particularly noble form. Inspired by the majestic Mont Blanc and made from the best French wheat and crystal-clear water from Angeac-Champagne, the premium vodka has an alpine freshness, fine mineral notes and a refined texture that set it apart from many of its competitors.

Alexandre Vingtier, a renowned spirits expert, author and consultant, has been part of the vodka’s vision from the very beginning. In this interview, he talks about the history of the brand, its specialities and why Mont Blanc Vodka is not just a drink, but a statement for modern enjoyment. He also explains why France is now at the forefront of the international vodka market.

How long have you been in the spirits industry? In which areas are you active and which brands have you already worked with?

Alexandre Vingtier: I’ve been immersed in the spirits industry for almost 20 years. My journey began with a deep curiosity for distilled beverages as the portfolio manager in one of the well-known Whisky and Fine spirits company in Paris, which led me to become a consultant, writer and professor. I’m active in multiple areas, including spirits evaluation, market analysis, product innovation and brand development. I’ve collaborated with some notable brands and worked with a variety of categories—whisky, rum, cognac, armagnac, baijiu, and, of course, vodka.

You also accompany the journey of Mont Blanc Vodka. How did the collaboration come about?

Alexandre Vingtier: My collaboration with Mont Blanc Vodka began through a shared vision of craftsmanship and excellence, a focus on authenticity and quality. Mont Blanc Vodka is an amazing brand with a strong personality that draws inspiration from the purity and majesty of the Mont Blanc massif, blending French savoir-faire with a global outlook.

At first glance, France is not known for vodka. Nevertheless, some of the best-known products come from the country. What is the vodka market like in France?

Alexandre Vingtier: France may not have the historical vodka heritage of Russia or Poland, but it has carved out a significant niche in the premium vodka segment. Actually, French vodkas and their fantastic packaging and singular qualities have already championed French spirits export in the past, ahead of cognac some years, to reach around 175 million bottles exported in a single year. It has help leveraging the country’s reputation for luxury and refinement.

The vodka market in France is relatively small compared to whisky or aniseed, reaching about 10% of the spirit consumption, on par with rum. But it has seen a great success over the last two decades, multiplying its market share by three. French people are drinking more and more French vodkas.

When and how was the Mont Blanc Vodka brand created?

Alexandre Vingtier: Mont Blanc Vodka was born from a desire to capture the essence of one of Europe’s most iconic natural landmarks—the Mont Blanc mountain. The brand emerged in the early 2020s, conceived by a team of French distillers and blenders who wanted to create a vodka that reflected purity, elegance, and a sense of place. The idea was to craft a spirit as pristine as the alpine waters and glaciers of the region, using modern distillation techniques combined with savoir faire. It’s a tribute to both nature and French craftsmanship.

What makes Mont Blanc Vodka special and how does it differ from other products?

Alexandre Vingtier: When we talk about Mont Blanc, we imagine majestic snowy slopes and a heroes that have a long sought to conquer these peaks. Mont Blanc Vodka is a brand with a dynamic inner world, a reflection of a dream that inspires and ignites a passion to conquer new heights. Each step towards conquering the peak is a reflection of a unique life journey and belief in oneself. Mont Blanc Vodka strives to achieve the ideal and has an unbreakable connection with the alpine environment and its commitment to purity.

It’s crafted with exceptional Angeac-Champagne water, which gives it a crisp, clean foundation. The distillation process emphasizes smoothness and clarity. Unlike many vodkas that rely on neutrality alone, Mont Blanc Vodka brings subtle mineral notes and a refined texture, setting it apart from many of its competitors. It’s a vodka that balances tradition with a modern, sophisticated edge.

How and where is the Mont Blanc Vodka manufactured?

Alexandre Vingtier: The process begins with high-quality French grains and pristine water, which undergoes a 5-stage distillations to ensure consistency and smoothness. Mont Blanc Vodka creation begins with 100% finest French wheat. The grain from the North of France, the homeland of Picardian wheat, is the basis. This region is not chosen by chance. Wheat of the highest quality, from which the famous French bread is made, gives a unique taste to vodka.

The exact distillery remains a closely guarded detail, as the brand focuses more on the story of its ingredients and inspiration than the mechanics. Crystal-clear water from Angeac-Champagne gives to Mont Blanc Vodka the transparency of a diamond. The beverage acquires a soft, sweet and slightly velvety taste. It is so pure and mellow that it requires little additional filtration. What matters is the meticulous care taken to reflect the purity of its namesake in every bottle.

What does the vodka taste like? What is the best way to drink it?

Alexandre Vingtier: Mont Blanc Vodka offers a remarkably clean and ultra smooth profile, with faint hints of minerality and a touch of sweetness from the grain. There’s a crisp, refreshing finish that evokes the coolness of alpine air. It’s versatile—perfect chilled on its own to appreciate its purity, or as the backbone of a chic cocktails or simpler like a vodka tonic.

In addition to Mont Blanc Vodka, there is also Mont Blanc Voyage Vodka. How does the product differ?

Alexandre Vingtier: Mont Blanc Vodka the Limited Edition Collection is a tribute to the determination of heroes who inspire to conquer new heights and reach new horizons. Mont Blanc Vodka Voyage is dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the first voyage around the world under the French flag. The design of the bottle was inspired by the deep dark blue Ocean, which symbolizes its beauty mysterious power and uncharted depth. A high degree of purification and additional filtration through natural plant materials (this is how sailors filtered water on a ship during a long voyage) gives us a uniquely smooth vodka that is rested for 30 days before bottling. Voyage is particularly soft with rounded flavor, leaving a clean and pleasant after taste.

In Germany, Mont Blanc Vodka is distributed by Dovgan. What are your hopes for the German market?

Alexandre Vingtier: Partnering with Dovgan, a distributor known for its strong presence in the German market, is a strategic move for Mont Blanc Vodka. Germany has a sophisticated spirits culture, with a growing appreciation for premium vodkas beyond the traditional Eastern European brands. My hope is that German consumers embrace Mont Blanc Vodka for its quality and unique story –connecting with its alpine heritage and French elegance. I’d love to see it become a staple in upscale bars and homes, appealing to those who value craftsmanship and a fresh perspective in their vodka.

What are your short and long-term goals for the brand?

Alexandre Vingtier: In the short term, the goal is to establish Mont Blanc Vodka as a recognizable name in key markets like Germany, and beyond, building a loyal following among discerning drinkers. We’re focused on perfecting distribution and sharing the brand’s story effectively. Long-term, the vision is to position Mont Blanc Vodka as a global brand in the premium vodka category, synonymous with purity and sophistication. I’d like to see it inspire a new wave of vodka appreciation, where quality and origin matter as much as they do in whisky or wine.

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+++ We would like to thank Alexandre Vingtier for the open and very interesting interview! If you also have an interesting brand, then we should talk. Just send us an e-mail with the subject “about-drinks interview” to redaktion@about-drinks.com – we look forward to hearing from you! +++

Sources cover picture: Alexandre Vingtier (l.) / Mont Blanc Vodka (r.)
Images: Dovgan GmbH / Mont Blanc Vodka