Trade pays tribute to Laurence Faller

Tributes have been paid to Alsatian winemaker Laurence Faller, who died of a suspected heart attack this week at the age of just 47.

The youngest in the renowned Faller line of winemakers, Laurence was charged with taking over production at the Clos des Capucines vineyard in 1979 – a place already highly regarded thanks to her parents’ championing of Alsace wine.

But it was Mme Faller’s Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines that gave her a name for herself as one of the most talented wine producers in the region.

Vineyard Brands, who represented Faller’s Domaine Weinbach label, gave an emotional statement, saying: “Rest in Peace Laurence Faller. You will be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family and all those at Domaine Weinbach.”

Marcel Orford-Williams, speaking on behalf of the Wine Society, said: “Laurence Faller will be remembered by those many members who were fortunate enough to visit the estate, not least by members of The Wine Society’s Dinning Club.

“And, of course, she will be remembered for the pleasure she gave us in her wonderful wines,” he continued.

Eric Asimov, the New York Times wine critic and author, said: “So sad to see Laurence Faller’s death confirmed. She was so young I didn’t want to believe it. RIP”,