Jean-Luc Ducruix: “A period of vagueness”.

When the subject of “post-UVB” is mentioned, Jean-Luc Ducruix walks on eggshells. The young winemaker (37 years old) established at the Domaine de Vavril, on the heights of Beaujeu, doesn’t hide it: he has no desire whatsoever to see his name associated with any controversy. Out of the question to throw names or accusations to the wolves. “I’m probably naive, but I’m for unity, the collective. That corresponds to my nature and my way of seeing things,” he advances by way of explanation.

However, Jean-Luc Ducruix feels totally concerned by the question of collective organization of the Beaujolais vineyard. “I find it really unfortunate that the Union of Beaujolais Winemakers has disappeared, even if I understand well that everyone had their reasons for things to end up this way. I think we needed this working tool, this common house,” delivers the wine grower, who farms two-thirds of his vines in Beaujolais-Villages and one-third in crus.

“The UVB was a direct link, the place where you called in case of questions or need for information. We lost our contacts. We have our ODGs, but the UVB was essential from my point of view.”

Jean-Luc Ducruix asks himself the same questions as many other winemakers. “We talk about it in the cellars, we follow the situation from afar. But to tell the truth, our numerous questions go well beyond the single issue of the death of the UVB. The possible rapprochement with Burgundy, the future of hillside vines and Beaujolais-Villages… We’re in a period of uncertainty. And there’s no leader for Beaujolais,” grimaces the winemaker from Beaujeu.