Wine industry greats pass away

Sadly, several important figures in the wine industry have passed away. Louis Latour has died aged 83. He led the way in modernising the Burgundy wine business. His innovations included the company’s move into the Ardèche to produce Chardonnay in 1979 and a similar project to make Pinot Noir at Domaine de Valmoissine in the Var. The Alsace region has lost a great figurehead in Etienne Hugel who passed away suddenly aged 57. Etienne was a strong voice in the Alsace region. Chateau Margaux managing director Paul Pontallier also died recently aged 59. From a local wine-growing family, Paul arrived at first growth Ch Margaux in 1983 straight from the University of Bordeaux. He became managing director of the property just seven years later and had remained there ever since.