Château Giscours: Eric Albada Jelgersma passes away

ericThe Dutch businessman and owner of Château Giscours and Château du Terte in Margaux, Eric Albada Jelgersma died at the age of 79 on 21st June.

Founder of major distribution company in the Netherlands Super de Boer (formally Laurus) which is now the property (45%) of the French supermarket chain Casino, Eric Albada Jelgersma became known in the world of wine when he bought the operating company of Château Giscours (but not the land that remains the property of the Tari family) in 1995. He also bought Château du Tertre in 1997 and an Italian wine estate, Caiarossa in 2004. The wines from these two properties in Margaux have seen a huge boost in quality, especially under the direction of Alexander Van Beek, who has worked with Eric Albada Jelgersma’s since 1995 and helped to put Giscours back on track.

Paralysed in 2005 after a sailing accident, Eric Albada Jelgersma lost the use of his legs. This did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm for wine or his determination to carry out a big reception planned at Château du Terte for the Fête de la Fleur a few weeks later. Eric Albada Jelgersma died peacefully at his home in Verbier in Switzerland. He leaves behind him three children and 11 grandchildren. Our thoughts are with his family, Alexander Van Beek and everyone at the châteaux.