Realising a dream...

By Aurelie Joubert

14 October 2021

Deb and Roman are the founders of Propellis, Perth’s newest grower champagne and wine importer and distributor. I caught up with them to hear more about the concept for realising this dream, that has long been close to their hearts.

‘It’s pretty surreal for us to see our vision that we’ve spoken about for so long, becoming real!’ said Deb as we sat down for coffee overlooking Trigg Beach.

Deb, originally from London and Roman, born in France met in Auckland in 2011. After a long-distance relationship, they finally made the decision to set up roots in Perth. Whilst they were busy adapting to life here, like many expats they were making an annual trip back to Europe to visit their friends and family. 

Deb recounts fondly that ‘every year when we were back in France, Roman’s friends and family would always spoil us with an array of champagnes. Sometimes their classic favourites, but often champagnes from new growers they had discovered on their trips to the region’.

As champagne lovers, this was a tradition from Roman’s childhood that he was happy to see continuing.

Roman said: ‘…from as long as I can remember, champagne was always part of our culture. We take great pride in this exceptional product.’

Roman moved on to tell me more about his childhood and growing up in a small town, named Voiron in the South East of France. 

‘The Champagne region was about a 5-hour drive from my home town. So whenever my relatives would visit Champagne they would be sure to stock up and bring back new champagnes to share with the family and their friends.’.

In 2017, Deb and Roman took a trip to the Champagne region themselves and returned the favour. They visited a number of champagne growers – some they knew of, some recommended and others they stumbled upon.

‘It still takes us aback, that whilst bound by the same rules of champagne production, the variety in the nose, taste and experience of each champagne is so vast! We love that grower champagnes not only encapsulate the story of the terroir, but also the decisions of the grower.’

Captivated by the essence of the region, they recalled how they packed their hire car to the brim with their new discoveries, eager to share them with friends and family.

Upon return to Australia, a seed was planted in their minds of how they could continue to showcase the delights of the Champagne and French wine regions.

Then in 2020, when the world as everyone knew it changed, their mission became clear.

‘I’d say that it was when we couldn’t travel to France, that we got serious about how we could bring a piece of France to us here in Perth’ says Deb.

And so Propellis was born. 

Deb and Roman are committed to continuing the French traditions. They work closely with sustainable growers, to share the stories of the terroir, the spirit and the heart of the region captured within their champagnes. 

‘We are the good old aunty or uncle, who has travelled to Champagne and is bringing back grower champagnes to share. Just change a 500ks to 16,000ks!!’ laughs Roman. 

I’m certainly excited to see more from this passionate duo – it’s inspirational to see them embarking on this journey together. Stay tuned...