After an illustrious 31-year reign as the head of Burgundy’s prestigious Maison Louis Jadot, Pierre-Henry Gagey is gracefully stepping down from his role as president. Before transitioning away from day-to-day operations, Gagey made a poignant appearance at the Wine Experience, sharing both insight and inspiration—a reflection on the factors that have propelled Burgundy’s success and a compelling message for those entrusted with guiding the wine region, or any other, into the future.
Pierre-Henry Gagey’s journey with Louis Jadot commenced in 1985 when his father, André, was at the helm of the famed winery. That same year, the estate was acquired by its U.S. importer, Kobrand. Gagey played a pivotal role in shaping Maison Louis Jadot into what senior editor and Burgundy connoisseur Bruce Sanderson described as “one of the most important houses in Burgundy.” The estate not only procures grapes and wines for a wide range of red and white Burgundy bottlings but also boasts ownership of approximately 500 acres of vineyards today. Under Pierre-Henry’s leadership, Sanderson attested, Burgundy has undergone substantial transformations.
A native of Burgundy, Gagey playfully remarked, “I have had Louis Jadot wine in my blood since I was born. And that’s why I stand before you at 67 years old and in relatively good form.”
Gagey elucidated two critical reasons behind Burgundy’s remarkable success. Firstly, he emphasized the importance of gradual, meticulous progress in the region’s wine industry. “In Burgundy, time is our friend,” Gagey asserted. “You, in America, you like to run. We, in Burgundy, we like to walk—and walk slowly.” Over the course of centuries, if not millennia, Burgundy painstakingly defined itself, focusing on the art of cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, identifying optimal vineyard sites, and distinguishing between the grand crus, premier crus, and village appellations.
The second key to Burgundy’s prosperity, according to Gagey, is that “a deep crisis can also be your friend.” He harkened back to the period spanning 1929 to 1970 when Burgundy grappled with wines of inconsistent quality, and the entire industry faced financial turmoil. “We were all in deep trouble. But our parents and grandparents made the right choices,” Gagey reflected. Recognizing that the region could not compete in terms of volume, they channeled their efforts into championing quality, purity, elegance, and delicacy as the hallmark characteristics of Burgundy wines.
Pierre-Henry Gagey’s tenure has undeniably left an indelible mark on Burgundy’s winemaking legacy. His parting words serve as a testament to the enduring values and dedication that have propelled this revered region to its present-day prominence.
