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Tribute paid to Louis-Fabrice Latour

Following the death of Louis-Fabrice Latour last week at the age of 58, the Fédération des Négociants-Éleveurs de Grande Bourgogne (FNEB) has paid tribute to “one of the most emblematic characters of the region”. 

Image credit: Instagram user louislatour1797

FNEB president Albéric Bichot expressed “deep sadness” at his death: “Louis-Fabrice made a huge contribution to the soul of the Bourgogne winegrowing region. He was a marvellous embodiment of the values of simplicity, conviviality, rigour, and intellectual honesty. He was always honest and clear about his intentions, and this authenticity was above all illustrated in his incomparable loyalty and faithfulness. He was faithful to his values and convictions, but above all, faithful to the men and women with whom he worked and also those he met through his business and union dealings.”

Citing those “union dealings”, pertaining to Latour’s involvement in the Union des Maisons de Vins de Grande Bourgogne (2003-2016), the Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins et Spiritueux (2011-2014), and the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (2015-2021), Bichot wrote: “Within these union roles – his ‘second home’ as he would joke – he played a major role in modernising the Bourgogne négoce trade, forging closer ties with the banking community and strengthening links between the Bourgogne and Beaujolais regions”.

“…In all of his union work, Louis-Fabrice demonstrated the ability to combine tradition and modernity; tradition because he was convinced that would remain a key thrust to winegrowing in the Bourgogne region, and modernity because he knew that a winegrowing region that does not evolve, even when enjoying real success, is a winegrowing region that is turning its back on the future.”

“If I had to highlight one trait of his outstanding personality, it would be his humanity,” continued Bichot. “Louis-Fabrice cultivated a benevolent attitude marked by kindness, modesty, and a remarkable ability to listen. He was also a very trusting man and paid great attention to those he spoke to. He knew, of course, how to defend his ideas, but he did it with a temperament that was always tinged with kindness and a desire to understand. As such, he would remind us with every exchange that every project is a human adventure.”

To read more about Latour’s life, click here.

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