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Tony Laithwaite honoured in France
Tony Laithwaite, head of direct-to-consumer wine merchant Laithwaites, has been honoured as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre du Merite Agricole, or Knight of the National Order of Agricultural Merit.
The award, presented at the Salon Argicole in Paris last week, was first created in France in 1883 to reward individuals for their services to agriculture.
Holders are said to "avoir le poireau", or "have a leek", in reference to the medal’s striking green colour.
“I may just wear it in bed tonight,” Laithwaite said of his medal on the night of the award.
Laithwaites was also awarded the Lauréats des Prix d’Excellence in recognition of the medal-winning achievements of its Château La Clariere in the world’s top wine competitions.
Twelve wines from 12 different regions in France are honoured each year, and Laithwaites’ Château La Clariere from Castillon won this year’s Lauréat for Bordeaux.
Lucy Shaw 28.02.2011