David Latham died suddenly this weekend at the age of 49. He was very involved for many years in the Boutenac and Corbières wines, and very appreciated by winegrowers in this sector.
“All Corbières woke up in shock, in mourning and saddened”. President of the Corbières vintage, Olivier Verdale easily describes the pain that gripped the entire wine profession in this sector, after the news of the sudden death of David Latham at the age of 49. The latter was certainly first and foremost a “excellent winemaker”who practiced his profession at the Château Saint-Estève in Thézan des Corbières. He was the great-grandson of the adventurer writer, originally from Leucate, Henry de Montfreid. Its involvement in local authorities made it a major player in viticulture in this part of the department.
President of the Boutenac vintage, David Latham was also part of the board of directors of the ODG (defense and management organization) Corbières. In this capacity, Olivier Verdale rubbed shoulders with him “at least twice a week”and knew well all of David Latham’s involvement in favor of the profession. “We often talked about the future of the vine”indicates in particular the manager. “He was a true visionary, and more generally someone very appreciated, especially among the staff of the Corbières region”. The man also highlights the extent to which David Latham was committed “young” in the management of the two appellations, “for at least twenty years”. Passionate about the vine, he was “like all the guys from Corbières”but with a talent that made him stand out from the crowd: “he had been distinguished several times at the General Agricultural Competition at the Salon de l’agriculture”notes Olivier Verdale.
President of the Aude Chamber of Agriculture, Philippe Vergnes was not brought to meet David Latham. However, he knew his unfailing and long-standing commitment to his territory. “It was unanimoushe says. All the feedback I got was very positive. But right now, my thoughts are mostly with his family.”. Olivier Verdale goes further: “The Corbières are losing a charming and constructive element, which leaves a big void”.
