Hubert de Boüard, co-owner of Château Angélus in St-Emilion, has lost a defamation suit against French journalist Isabelle Saporta, but has said he plans to appeal.
Angelus co-owner de Boüard filed the defamation suit following publication of Saporta’s Vino Business book in 2014.
The Tribunal de Grand Instance in Paris heard the case in June 2016 and reached a decision on 22 September.
It said that Saporta had given ‘an extremely disparaging and negative image of the winemaker in question’, but that ‘none of her statements could be considered libellous’.
De Boüard accused Saporta of using the book to falsely suggest that he had undue influence over the 2012 St-Emilion classification, which saw Angélus promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A status.
‘I didn’t win the court case, but I will be appealing as I don’t think it was a fair decision,’ de Boüard told Decanter.com this week.
‘Even the judge said that the wording in the book was excessive and inflammatory, if not defamatory. I feel my honesty and integrity has been proved and will begin an appeal process.’
De Boüard had been seeking 50,000 euros, plus his 10,000 euros court costs.
Read more about the St-Emilion classification:
Pavie and Angelus promoted in new St Emilion Classification
Chateau Pavie’s owner Gerard Perse was 'overcome with emotion' as his property's promotion to St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé
St Emilion dispute: Classification upheld, opponents vow to fight on
St-Emilion classification dispute goes before tribunal
