Beaujolais producers have rallied round in support of Georges Duboeuf as the producer announces he will not appeal the judgement against his company.
Les Vins Georges Duboeuf was fined €30,000 (£21,000) earlier this month for incorrectly blending 200,000 litres of wine.
In a statement issued today the company says it accepts that under French law, an employer is liable for illegal actions committed by an employee even if the employer was unaware of them.
‘We have decided to turn the page, rather than trying to fight against rules whose legal, social and moral purpose is beyond us,’ the statement says.
It also notes that ‘on the proceedings filed by the prosecutor…Mr Georges Duboeuf’s personal liability has not been involved.’
At the same time, Inter Beaujolais, the union of Beaujolais producers, issued its own statement in support of Duboeuf.
‘[Chairman Michel Bosse-Platiere] expresses total trust in the quality of the wines produced by the company Les Vins Georges Duboeuf, which remains the undeniable leader in this region…’ it said.
The fraud came to light in August 2005, when the company was first investigated by police. The managers responsible were identified immediately, and as none of the illegally blended wine was bottled, it never reached the market.
With the INAO’s approval the wine was declassified and labelled under lower appellations.
See also:
Duboeuf investigated for fraud
Written by Adam Lechmere
