If you’ve ever visited the city of Reims and its iconic cathedral, you’ve likely seen the famous Smiling Angel. This statue, located on the cathedral’s portal, features a mysterious and mischievous smile and became a symbol of the city after World War I. This angel holds a very special place in the heart of Maison Abelé 1757, as it is deeply tied to the history of the House.
The Birth of the Values of Maison Abelé 1757
During World War I, the city of Reims suffered greatly, ravaged by bombings, destruction, and fires. The cathedral of Reims was especially impacted by these events.
One day, during an attack, scaffolding placed in front of the cathedral was destroyed, causing a terrible fire that ravaged the building. Among the damage was the decapitation of the Smiling Angel statue. This tragic event shocked all of Europe—and of course, especially France.
At the time, Henri Abelé was head of the House. A devout Catholic and a man of great charity, he turned the cellars of Maison Abelé 1757 into a chapel that could shelter up to 80 people from the bombings. Deeply affected by the destruction of the cathedral, Henri Abelé did everything in his power to contribute to its restoration.
He co-founded the Société des Amis de la Cathédrale (Society of Friends of the Cathedral) to help finance the reconstruction and became one of its benefactors, alongside prominent figures like John Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Edith Banks.
The Creation of the “Sourire de Reims” Brand
A visionary and intelligent entrepreneur, Henri Abelé came up with the idea of creating a champagne brand whose profits would help fund the reconstruction of the cathedral and its statues. In 1918, he registered the brand Le Sourire de Reims.
Did he know that this brand would continue to be used by the House more than a century later? Today, Le Sourire de Reims remains one of Maison Abelé 1757’s most prestigious cuvées.
Thanks to this philanthropic initiative—and to Henri Abelé’s commitment—the Smiling Angel was restored, regaining its head and its benevolent smile. The statue became a powerful symbol of rebirth and hope for the people of Reims and was affectionately renamed L’Ange au Sourire (the Smiling Angel).
This story is a deeply meaningful chapter in the history of Maison Abelé 1757. It represents a message of hope and dedication to the city of Reims and its cultural heritage.
“It’s a story of legacy. A legacy passed on through our stories and values, of course—but also through our cuvées.”
— Marie Gicquel, CEO of Maison Abelé 1757
Le Sourire de Reims – A Prestige Cuvée for Over a Century
Today, Le Sourire de Reims is our most prestigious cuvée, available in Brut and Rosé. These vintage champagnes are produced only during outstanding years and in extremely limited quantities.
The cuvée was born in 1918 and first released in its now-iconic bottle in 1986. This exclusive bottle design pays homage to the earliest forms of champagne bottles once found on royal tables in the 18th century. Inspired by period illustrations and the origins of champagne, its generous curves evoke history and elegance.
Le Sourire de Reims – A Champagne That Embodies the Spirit of Maison Abelé 1757
This cuvée perfectly expresses the spirit of the House. First, it is only produced in exceptional years, in very small quantities. Its creation is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, using the most emblematic winemaking techniques of the Champagne region.
The process begins in the winery, where only the best wines are selected by our Cellar Master, Etienne Eteneau. Every stage of vinification is handled with extreme precision—from bottling to final presentation. Each bottle of Le Sourire de Reims is finished by hand by our dedicated team.
“Our teams bring the utmost care to this cuvée to ensure it delivers the greatest emotional impact.”
— Marie Gicquel, CEO of Maison Abelé 1757
