On Friday November 7th 2014 the Board of Directors of Inter-Rhône, the professional association representing the A.O.C. wines of Côtes du Rhône and the Rhone Valley, elected wine merchant and vineyard owner Michel Chapoutier to be their President for a term of three years. He succeeds Christian Paly. Michel Chapoutier is now at the head of the region’s leading economic activity (400 million bottles sold across 159 countries in 2012/2013) and France’s 2nd largest A.O.C vineyard area (in terms of surface area and production, both conventional and organic).
Mr Chapoutier’s proposed route map shows a good deal of forward thinking. It is based on his extensive knowledge of the profession, and illustrates his involvement with the various structures representing the industry. Michel Chapoutier is keen to further develop the role and management tools offered by Inter-Rhône to their members to help them prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. Future generations also feature at the heart of the new team’s agenda: Michel Chapoutier believes that particular attention should be paid to these vineyard operatives of the future, both in terms of providing training, and helping them to become established.
The programme is an ambitious one, focusing on the future and the coming generations, goes beyond the boundaries of viticulture, and aims to become less France-centric. Among the various projects awaiting the new leadership team is an in-depth study of micro and macroeconomic data, whose objective is to give a detailed overall direction to the industry.
Passionate and deeply committed, Michel Chapoutier is seen as a man of action, of character, of kindness and compassion, and of course a man dedicated to wine. But however much energy Mr Chapoutier brings to the job, he cannot carry the programme forward alone, and knows he can count on his two fellow leaders, both of whom share his long term vision. Etienne Maffre, Managing Director of a Maison de Négoce and newly-elected President of UMVR (Union des Maisons de Vins du Rhône), shows commitment, ambition and the drive to address the subjects which shape the industry. Philippe Pellaton, President of the Syndicat des Côtes du Rhône and of a cooperative cellar, brings together independent and cooperative cellars in a united front, giving them his full attention. All three men have already been very much involved in promotional and economic matters for several years; they intend to continue to focus on the advantages of the Rhône vineyards (strong image, firm links between vineyard and region, international recognition, accessibility etc.) and to build a prosperous future for everyone who works in the Rhône Valley wine industry.
(Write to VitaBella info@vitabella.fr)
