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Jean-Pierre Fleury, the pioneer of biodynamic production in Champagne, has died at the age of 76. Although he originally wanted to become an astronomer, he took over his family's vineyard in Courteron in 1970. There he looked for alternative methods to the then common practice of cultivation with intensive use of chemicals. He used organic fertiliser and controlled the weeds mechanically. In 1989, he was the first to apply biodynamic practices in Champagne. In 1992, he converted the winery completely to biodynamic cultivation, thus going against the spirit of the times. Today, around 3,000 hectares of vineyards in Champagne are certified organic or biodynamic or are in the process of conversion.
Jean-Pierre Fleury was elected the first president of the Association des Champagnes Biologiques (ACB) in 1998. In 2016, he also took over the leadership of a movement of organic winegrowers who advocate the abolition of herbicides. His son Jean-Sébastien now takes over these tasks, supported by his brother Benoit and his sister Morgane.
(al / Source: La Revue du Vin de France)