(Paris) Emmanuel Macron praised the “extraordinary wealth” of the wine sector in France, “a world of excellence that irrigates our territories”, receiving Thursday the title of “Personality of the Year 2022” awarded by the French wine review.
The Head of State declared himself “very happy” with this award, granted for the first time to a President of the Republic, during a ceremony in Paris.
“Like d’Artagnan and Portos”
It was awarded to him because Emmanuel Macron “systematically defends wine”, while his predecessors were either “indifferent” or “opponents” of this drink, explained Denis Saverot, editorial director of the French wine review.
For the first time in 40 years, you have had the audacity to assert, like d’Artagnan and Portos: “I drink wine every day, noon and evening”.
Denis Saverot, editorial director of the French wine review.
Mr. Savenot stressed that his review was “not about politics”.
PHOTO LUDOVIC MARIN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
French President Emmanuel Macron and Vierzon Mayor Nicolas Sansu (left) drink a glass of wine in a bistro in Vierzon, December 7, 2021.
Emmanuel Macron was well seen by the wine world by assuring in 2018 that, during his mandate, “there would be no amendment to toughen the Evin law” which regulates advertising for alcoholic beverages since 1991, at great chagrin of associations which fight against alcoholism.
In his speech, the president praised a sector which “carries the image, the excellence of France”, of which it represents “a part consequence” of the economy with its 85,000 farms and some 13 billion euros trade surplus (before the COVID-19 crisis).
“The wine is the demonstration of the fact that to be French, one does not have to be closed”, because “you are rooted who thirst to embrace the world”, he added.
Defense of French wine against Trump
He highlighted the state’s “solidarity” when the sector was battered by the imposition of taxes by the Trump administration, by the pandemic and by the “historic spring freeze of 2021”. He also insisted on the importance of the reform of crop insurance, which must be adopted before the end of the legislature.
“I share your concerns on the impact of global warming,” added Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the need to strengthen research to “have more resistant grape varieties”.
The French wine review has also awarded 12 other annual awards: that of winegrower to Jean-Louis Chave (Hermitage, Rhône valley), of the Leclerc Briant champagne brand, of the discovery at the Domaine du Bouchot (Pouilly-Fumé) or of the spirit of the year at the Domaine des Hautes Glaces (Isère).