- Henri Jayer
Henri Jayer (1922–
September 20 ,2006 ) was a Frenchvintner who is credited with introducing important innovations to Burgundianwinemaking . He was particularly known for the quality of hisPinot Noir . [ M. Frank "Burgundy Loses Master Winemaker" "Wine Spectator" Nov. 30th, 2006 ]Jayer was born in
Vosne-Romanée . He attended the University of Dijon in the 1940s and earned a degree in enology.Using a 7.4-acre inheritance that included parcels in the Echézeaux and
Beaux Monts vineyards, Jayer began producing wine under his own label in the 1950s. Henri Jayer wines are now highly sought after and renowned for their balance and elegance, as well as their lushness and concentration. One bottle sells for thousands of dollars.Innovations
Jayer pioneered the now-universal idea that great winemaking begins in the
vineyard . Jayer opposed extensive use of chemicals in vineyards and advocated plowing to control weeds. Jayer's most important contribution to winemaking may have been thecold maceration technique, in which crushed Pinot Noir grapes are allowed to soak before fermenting to bring out the fruit's color and flavor.Later years
In 1996, the French Government told Jayer that he must either retire or forfeit his pension. In response, Jayer transferred his vineyards to his nephew, Emmanuel Rouget, but was still responsible for half the wine being bottled under Rouget's name until 2002. [ M. Frank "Burgundy Loses Master Winemaker" "Wine Spectator" Nov. 30th, 2006 ]
Jayer's last vintage was in 2001.
Death
Jayer died in Dijon, France of
prostate cancer , aged 84.References
* [http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-jayer23sep23,1,6943711.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-california Brown, Corie. (2006, September 23). "Henri Jayer, 84; Celebrated Producer of Burgundy Wines". The Los Angeles Times]
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