The 'piquette' controversy deflated by winegrower Jean-Baptiste Duquesne

By Alexandre Abellan

Bordeaux winegrower Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, of Château Cazebonne and founder of Bordeaux Pirate, denies having used the term "piquette" during his appearance on Complément d'enquête, contrary to what the report's voice-over claimed. He explains that he wanted to expose the lack of rigour in wine competitions by submitting inexpensive Languedoc wines as Bordeaux, with no intention of disparaging any region. Faced with the controversy and fierce backlash, he regrets the misunderstanding and clarifies his approach, reiterating that the term "piquette" is pejorative and that he would never have used it.

The article by Vitisphere revisits the controversy surrounding the broadcast of a report on Complément d'enquête on France 2, in which winegrower Jean-Baptiste Duquesne (Château Cazebonne, Graves) entered Languedoc wines into a Bordeaux competition to expose the lack of seriousness. The report's voice-over had referred to these wines as "piquettes", sparking outrage across the southern French wine community. Jean-Baptiste Duquesne categorically refutes having used this derogatory term, which he considers "improper and condescending", and denies any desire to damage the reputation of the Languedoc. He explains that he chose inexpensive Languedoc wines to prove the absurdity of the competition system, and not to demean the quality of these products. He nevertheless acknowledges the frustration the situation generated, which even resulted in him receiving abusive messages. The production team of Complément d'enquête attempted to defuse tensions by citing the Larousse dictionary definition of "mediocre", but this justification failed to calm tempers. The affair has even prompted the AOC Corbières syndicate to consider further action, whilst other commentators point out the irony that the Cazebonne wine received the exact same score as the wines called into question.