Christian Chaussard killed in tractor accident

Christian Chaussard, Domaine le Briseau in London May 2012

I'm very shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Christian Chaussard of Domaine le Briseau in Marçon making Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir. I gather that Christian was killed in a tractor accident. Apparently he also was in the advanced stage of cancer. 

I first met Christian, who I believe was born in 1954, some 20 years ago when he was making wine in Vouvray and teaching at the Lycée Viticole in Amboise. Christian was already of proponent of what we now call 'natural' wine. I lost touch with him when he left the Loire but met up with Christian again when he returned to the Loire with his new partner, Natalie Gaubichet, whom he met on his travels. Rather than returning to La Loire they settled in Le Loir still with Chenin Blanc but now also with Pineau d'Aunis. 

I last saw Christian at The Real Wine Fair in London in May. His 2010 Kharakter, (Jasnières) was wonderful with a touch of honey and a marvellously austere finish. Christian seemed happy, on very good form and generously insisted that if we were in Le Loir we should go and stay with them. I had planned to drop in to see Christian in early October to see what progress there was with the 2012 vintage. Very sadly this was not to be.  

I didn't go to see Christian as often as I should have done and would have liked to do but I will remember a visit to his cellar in early August 2008. I will also remember Christian's generosity of spirit, his gentleness but with strong convictions and beliefs as well as his and Natalie's wines. Christian is one of the producers who has made Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir some of the most dynamic appellations the Loire Valley. A very sad day – my thoughts and condolences go to Natalie. 

Chris Kissack on Christian's death 

Profile of Christian by Bertrand Celce.          

The cellar@Le Briseau

Real Wine Fair: some photos + new Cour-Cheverny producer

Laura Semeria, Château de Montcy, Cheverny with her 2008 Cour-Cheverny

This was the first time I had met Laura Semeria (Terra Laura) and tasted her wines. I was impressed by the precision of her 2008 Cour-Cheverny with attractive citric and peach flavours and a good backbone of acidity. Enjoyable now but very likely to develop further complexity with more bottle age. Laura's wines are imported into the UK by François Domange's Vinothentique.   

Laura with the 2009 Rouge Plentitude, Cheverny and 2008 Cour-Cheverny   

  

  Father Gerasim, Alaverdi Monastery, Kakheti, Georgia 

with the 2011 Rosé Rkatsiteli

 Christian Chaussard, Domaine le Briseau: Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir 

Below: Natalie Gaubichet, Domaine le Briseau

Natalie Gaubichet and Christian Chaussard's 2010 Kharakter, Jasnières is currently showing well. Imported into UK by Les Caves de Pyrène.  

 Fine shirted Olivier Cousin 

Olivier Cousin told me that his trial date for the allegedly fraudulent use of Anjou on his labels using the designation Vin de France keeps being put back. Olivier asserts that as his vines are planted in Anjou and that as his farming practices are designed to fully reflect their terroir he has the right to use Anjou on his labels. Are the French authorities having second thoughts over the wisdom of pursuing this case, I wonder?   

 Luc Sébille (Chinon): clearly a man, who is enthusuastic about his wines!

 Thierry Puzelat tells a paparazzi to push off!

 

Brett Jones: "Wink, I don't think you should have done THAT in public!!"