Burgundy winemaker fined

Burgundy winemaker Emmanuel Giboulot has been fined €1,000 for not obeying a law which requires producers to use pesticide against flavescence doree disease. The judge suspended half of the fine, which means Giboulot must pay €500 now and may have to pay the rest if convicted of another offence in the future.

Although the fine is relatively small considering the maximum penalty was €30,000 with a six-month prison sentence, Giboulot said he will appeal the decision. His case dates back to June 2013, when an outbreak of the disease around Beaune led to the authorties ordering all surrounding vineyards to apply the pesticide treatment. Giboulot, whose estate has been organic and biodynamic for over 40 years, refused.