A major figure in the Alsatian wine world, André Hugel, has passed away at the age of 92.
André Hugel
It is with great sadness that Famille Hugel announces the death of André Hugel on Monday, August 15, at the age of 92. André Hugel was the 11th generation of a family rooted in the Riquewihr (Haut-Rhin) wine-growing area since 1639. The family estate is currently run by Marc, Marc-André and Jean-Frédéric Hugel, the 12th and 13th generations.
The family released this statement: “André Hugel has passed away following Covid-related complications. He leaves us with the memory of an incredibly full life, unfailing devotion to the family history and unlimited tenderness towards his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending a few, lazy hours in the picturesque streets of Riquewihr with André Hugel, and pushing open the doors of our centuries-old cellars was like setting out on an exploration of the extraordinary terroirs of Alsace and the history of our wonderful region.”
After training in Beaune and Geisenheim, André Hugel (born on August 19th, 1929) joined very early the family firm and, together with his two brothers, helped it grow. He kept working until his last days and contributed greatly to the dynamism of Famille Hugel in recent years as a fervent defender of two, highly-symbolic cuvées with a strong, Alsatian character: Grossi Laüe, which means “the best vineyards” in the Alsatian dialect, and Schoelhammer. These are now the leading products of the estate, alongside the iconic Vendange Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles.
Also president of the Riquewihr Archaeological Society since 1978 and of the Museum of Alsace Wines and Vineyards since 1979, he was Grand Master of the Confrérie Saint-Etienne wine guild in 1985, Deputy Major of Riquewihr from 1989 to 1995 and municipal councillor from 1995 to 2001. Aside from his passion for the history of wine-growing in Alsace, André Hugel was also deeply interested in Alsatians conscripted against their will into the German army in World War II. His research in this field led to several publications.
The funeral will be for close family only.