Jean-François Janoueix- Bordeaux’s legendary winemaker and third-generation patriarch of Maison Joseph Janoueix that owns thirteen wine estates in the Libourne region of Bordeaux, France passed away recently at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Françoise Janoueix (responsible for exports and finance of their enterprise), sons Jean-Pierre and Jean-Philippe (illustrious winemakers themselves) and a well-knit extended family that is an integral part of their “wine empire”.
The sad news of the demise of Jean-François Janoueix (JFJ) compelled me to dig out photographs taken during my visit a decade back to their flagship estate Château Haut Sarpe (St Émilion Grand Cru Classé) and yet others located in St Emilion, Pomerol and Côtes de Castillon. As a part of my homage to the legend, I have used some of these photos throughout this special blog post.
Photographs apart, the late JFJ’s memories have remained fresh in my mind despite the passage of time largely due to his bon vivant attitude and a childlike enthusiasm towards his work.
Maison Janoueix Wine Estates
Saint-Émilion
Château Haut-Sarpe
Château Vieux-Sarpe
Château de Sarpe
Moulin de Sarpe
Château Le Castelot
Château Haut-Badette
Château La Rose Saint Georges
Pomerol
Château La Croix
Château La Croix Toulifaut
Château La Croix-Saint-Georges
Clos des Litanies
Côtes de Castillon
Château La Gasparde
Château Saint-Genès
I vividly remember, JFJ’s lovable demeanour and a spring in his steps as he conducted me personally around the expansive Janoueix estate bustling with vineyard workers close to harvest time. Even if he didn’t speak English, I never felt any lack of communication between us, as he was extremely accommodative of my broken French- the rest being taken care of by my host Laurent Piaton courtesy of whom the visit had happened.
Monsieur Jean-François Janoueix proudly carried his famous trousseau (bunch of keys) to show people around his estates that he considered nothing less than sacred.
Laurent Piaton, French wine négociant
An illustrious life
Jean-François Janoueix , was born in 1935 to Joseph Janoueix and Marie-Antoinette Estrade. At 17 years of age, he started travelling and promoting Maison Janoueix wines with his father, who actually went on working until the age of 90. In 1963 JFJ at the age of 27, took over the family business- the same year that he also got married to his wife Françoise. As head of the company JFJ is credited with developing the overseas markets for their wines that are exported to more than twenty countries as of date.
Estates acquired during Jean François Janoueix’s time
- Château Vieux Sarpe (St Emilion Grand Cru)- 1964
- Château La Croix Toulifaut(Pomerol)- 1972
- Château Castelot(St Emilion Grand Cru)- 1975.
After acquiring the above estates, JFJ resuscitated Château Castelot (old residence where King Henry IV is said to have lived) and Château La Croix Toulifaut to their full glory.
A people person
Totally hands-on, JFJ was also a people person- something that I could witness in his personalised interactions with their vineyard workers during my visit. He also looked after his workers well through amenities like an inspiring dining area with an outdoor grill and a colourful cabaret des vendangeurs (harvest workers clubhouse) called “Glou Glou” where they could chill out after a hard day’s work.
JFJ was no less a showman too. His collection of vintage cars bore testimony to his flamboyance, and so did his eye for contemporary art that adds to the touristic quotient of Château Haut Sarpe.
But my forever souvenir of JFJ’s flamboyance is when he took us to the cellars of Château La Croix and suggested that I hold a big format bottle to sit on the majestic wooden chair placed inside, even as he held another one and stood beside me for a picture-perfect pose. The photo has remained one of my most prized clicks to date.
A rich legacy
The departure of JFJ to his heavenly abode leaves behind big boots to fill. However, the next generations at Maison Joseph Janoueix look well equipped to take on the baton running. Jean-François Janoueix’s life philosophy of “Bon, Beau, Bio, Bonheur” (sustainably good times) will probably be one of their most cherished inheritances of him.
Rest in Peace Monsieur Janoueix!
