André Lurton died on May 16. He was 94 years old and a legend already during his lifetime. He was born at Château Bonnet where he lived throughout his life. André was one of those who in the 1970s began to change the white, dry Bordeaux wines. His fresh and aromatic Château Bonnet had great success. He made sure that this style of white wine received its own appellation, Entre-deux-Mers.
He was also the initiator behind the appellation Pessac-Léognan in 1987. This was an initiative he had mixed feelings about many years later as it led to the rest of Graves being irremediably left behind.
He bought and gave new life to many chateaux in the northern part of Graves, which was later to become Pessac-Léognan, not least the beautiful Château la Louvière. He bought Château Rochemorin in 1974. It was a large estate of 115 hectares but entirely without vines. Everything was replanted and renovated. André was always very fond of Sauvignon Blanc and at Château de Cruzeau and Château Couhins-Lurton this grape is the only one used for the white wines.
He will for ever be remembered as one of the great people who fundamentally changed Bordeaux. The family name Lurton will continue to thrive in Bordeaux, through the children, nephews and nieces of André.
Travel: Come to Bordeaux on a wine tour this autumn.
