Wine and restaurant worlds mourn passing of greats
TWO GREAT NAMEs in culinary and viticultural excellence have died within a month of each other: celebrated chef Joël Robuchon and Cornas pioneer pierre-Auguste Clape.
Robuchon passed away on 6 August aged 73 following a long battle with cancer. it is a loss that will be felt throughout the culinary world as well as among wine producers, several of whom Robuchon worked with during an illustrious career.
Most recently, in 2013, Robuchon collaborated with Bernard Magrez, owner of several cru classé Bordeaux châteaux, to open a restaurant at Magrez’s La grande Maison boutique hotel in Bordeaux.
During his career Robuchon amassed more than 30 Michelin stars, and was known for helping to mentor several prominent chefs including gordon Ramsay. french gastronomy guide Gault & Millau named Robuchon ‘chef of the century’ in 1990.
Revered northern Rhône winemaker, Clape, died peacefully on 13 July at the age of 93. He was considered to be the driving force behind the rejuvenation of the Cornas appellation, as well as a tireless defender of its terroirs and traditions. in the 1950s, Clape made the decision to bottle his wines on-site at the estate – a revolutionary move at the time. He went on to forge a market for the wines of Cornas, and by the 1970s he was one of the first to export to England and the Us.
Today, his son pierre-Marie Clape and grandson Olivier oversee the estate, continuing the work of this rigorous and discreet visionary.