Sundays around here are usually a time for a bit of frivolity as I recount an utterance or action by one of my children (usually Sebastian). But today I woke to some really sad news: Georges Dubœuf died yesterday as the result of a stroke at the age of 86.

I was fortunate to have met the person that many called “the Pope of Beaujolais” first in New York a few years ago and then at his home in Romanèche-Thorins this past summer. Of all things, we spoke mostly about cycling–Georges was a big cyclist in his youth, with hopes of becoming a professional cyclist at one point.

Ultimately, he joined his family business of winemaking, first in Pouilly-Fuissé and then eventually transforming how the world saw the wines from Beaujolais. I will be writing more in the coming weeks about Georges and his wines, but for now, I send my deep condolences to Franck and Anne Dubœuf and the rest of the Dubœuf family.

Beaujolais has lost its brightest star.

Georges Dubœuf in his home in Romanèche-Thorins.