It is with profound sorrow that we receive the news of the loss of one of the most influential figures in the history of global winemaking. Michel Rolland — a name that became synonymous with quality, success, and a global revolution in the art of wine creation.

Michel Rolland was the first and most famous "Flying Winemaker." He proved that borders between countries and continents do not matter when the goal is to create a great wine. His consultations were sought by over 150 estates in 13 countries across the globe: from his native Bordeaux to Argentina, Chile, the USA, and South Africa.

His Achievements and Legacy:

• Creating the "Bordeaux Style": It was Rolland who taught the world to appreciate full-bodied, rounded wines with soft tannins and perfect fruit ripeness. His approach revolutionized the 1980s and 1990s, making wine more approachable and hedonistic.
• Pioneer of Technology: Michel Rolland was a true innovator. He introduced and popularized the micro-oxygenation method (gentle oxygen saturation during aging) and advocated for late harvesting to achieve maximum phenolic ripeness.
• Regional Impact: He effectively "put on the map" Argentine Malbec by creating the Clos de los Siete project and helped many estates in Napa and Tuscany achieve cult status (such as Ornellaia and Harlan Estate).
• Master of the Blend: He was often called "The Golden Nose." Rolland’s ability to sense proportions and assemble a perfect symphony from disparate batches of wine was a unique and rare gift.

While he was often criticized for the "globalization of taste," the results and the recognition from millions of wine lovers spoke for themselves. He worked with the world’s most prestigious estates, including Château Ausone, Château Angélus, and Pape Clément.

Michel Rolland was more than an oenologist; he was the architect of modern winemaking, a legendary figure whose scale of influence is impossible to overstate. For us — professionals and enthusiasts alike — Michel Rolland will forever remain an example of unwavering passion for his craft, tireless energy, and a profound understanding of the nature of the vine.

Rest in peace, Monsieur Rolland. Your legacy will live on in every sip of great wine.