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Hubert de Boüard, co-owner of Château Angélus in St. Emilion, was sentenced to a fine of 60,000 euros, 20,000 of which are suspended, for "illegal protection of interests". He had been sued by several châteaux for manipulating the classification of St. Emilion wineries in his favour - and to their disadvantage.
At the time when the 2012 St. Emilion classification was elaborated, de Boüard and co-defendant Philippe Castéja held leading positions in the INAO, the national appellation authority. At the same time, de Boüard worked in the St-Emilion wine authority Organisme de Défense et de Gestion (ODG) in a responsible position. Castéja was acquitted by the court.
In the 2012 classification, Château Angélus was elevated to the highest status of St Emilion - Premier Grand Cru Classé A. In addition, seven other estates advised or managed by de Boüard were either upgraded or retained their status. Castéja's Château Trotte Vieille, however, remained in B status.
The court in Bordeaux ruled that de Boüard's actions had gone beyond a passive conflict of interest, but could not find evidence of direct influence. The plaintiff parties were therefore not awarded damages.
In a first statement, De Boüard calls the judgement an "injustice" and is considering an appeal.

(al / source: drinksbusiness; photo: 123rf)

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