Beaujolais winemaker Marcel Lapierre has died after a long illness.
Lapierre, a much-loved figure in Morgon, was a pioneer of natural winemaking.
He took over the family estate, Domaine Des Chênes in Villié-Morgon, in 1973.
In 1981 he met Jules Chauvet, known as father of the French natural wine movement, and under his influence he began to introduce biodynamic techniques, vinifying without SO2 and additional yeasts, and eschewing weed killers and chemical fertilisers.
Across the internet, and especially on Twitter, tributes are flooding in.
Eric Asimov, veteran wine critic of the New York Times, said, ‘Just in off the redeye, am sad to find out the great Marcel Lapierre has died. RIP. Ce soir, on va boire Morgon.’
‘Waking to sad news of Marcel Lapierre’s passing. A huge force in Beaujolais – and in defending real wine,’ one tweeter said.
Another said there would be a ‘Tribute…tomorrow night (12 October), 7 pm at Ten Bells in NYC. A small event in the spirit of the man. Lots of Morgon.’
Written by Decanter.com staff
