Joël Taluau, one of the pillars of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, dies at 66

10th June 2012: Joël Taluau tasting at 

his domaine in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil 

I was very shocked and saddened to discover this morning that Joël Taluau died early last Thursday morning of a heart attack aged 66. Joël has long been one of the leading producers in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil and a great ambassador for his appellation. Always ready with a smile and a friendly greeting, his wines have been consistently good, especially the Vieilles Vignes, for many years. He was always generous with the bottles that he opened and I have on several occasions tasted his 1976. The last occasion was when Les 5 du Vin spent two days in Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil in early June last year. 

I saw Joël for the last time at Vitiloire on Saturday 25th June – he seemed on good form.

A number of years ago Joël and Clarisse Taluau were joined at the domaine by Thierry Foltzenlogel, his son-in-law, and their daughter Véronique. 

A very active member of his community, Joël was président fondateur of Le syndicat des producteurs de vins de Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, a conseiller municipal (Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil) from 1995-2001 and president from 1983 to 1987 of the L'ES Bourgueil section Football     

See here an appreciation of Joël Taluau by Perico Légrasse.

My thoughts and condolences to Joël's family, in particular his wife Clarisse, Véronique and Thierry Foltzenlogel.      

The funeral will be held tomorrow (Monday 10th June) at the cemetery in Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil at 15h.