Châteauneuf ‘legend’ Henri Bonneau dies

Winemaker Henri Bonneau, described as a “true legend” of Châteauneuf du Pape, has passed away at the age of 78.

Bonneau, who has been described as a “true icon” of Châteauneuf du Pape, died on 21 March

Born in 1938, Bonneau was a 12th-generation wine grower who started making wines in 1956. He died on 21 March due to complications caused by diabetes, as reported by Wine Spectator. Tributes have been paid to Bonneau on social media, describing him as a “legend” and one of Châteauneuf du Pape’s “true icons”.

“It is with a very heavy heart that we say a final goodbye to our friend Henri Bonneau”, said French wine merchant Alain Junguenet. “Grab a bottle of Gros Plant or the house red at your local dive bar and raise a glass to one of the last true Legends. We miss you already.”

Known for producing “old-school” Grenache, Domaine Henri Bonneau comprises just six hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape; 5.25ha in La Crau and 0.75ha in Couthézon. The domaine typically produces three cuvées each vintage; the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie Beurrier and the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Célestins. The latter is often held up as one of the finest of all wines from Châteauneuf du Pape.

In recent years Bonneau has been aided by his son Marcel in the cellar. Bonneau also leaves behind his wife, Jacqueline.