In the span of two-and-a-half short years, the French wine world lost two greats: Jerome Quiot in November 2018 and David Milligan in February 2021. Forever intertwined in their professional wine lives, Messrs. Quiot and Milligan transformed the French wine landscape in both France and in the United States. Quite simply, much of the French wine we enjoy today is a result of this pair of wine giants.
The Original Rhône Ranger
Continuing a long legacy of winemaking, Jérôme was the 13th generation of his family to work the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He worked tirelessly at developing his family’s estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Provence and served the most prestigious role of his profession, president of the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO), from 1994 to 2000. With a fierce love of his home wine region, Jerome sought to elevate the profile of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and, along with that, French wine in general. He passed away with his wines reaching a new pinnacle of recognition—his Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Château du Trignon, and Domaine Duclaux all receiving 90+ points from various top wine reviewers. His legacy is now in the hands of his children Florence and Jean-Baptiste of Famille Quiot, both acclaimed winemakers in their own right.
The Original Wine Man
After a successful career working for the world’s largest wine companies such as Chateau & Estate, David Milligan, originally from Dorset, England, started his own French wine import company, David Milligan Selections (DMS) in 1995. After helping to develop brands such as Champagne Perrier Jouet, he wanted to discover and share incredible French wines that could be enjoyed by everyone. David succeeded once again, building DMS Wine into a national company that today shares French wines across the U.S. and Virgin Islands, including those of Famille Quiot! In addition, consistent with David’s particular passion for Bordeaux, DMS became the No. 1 importer of Bordeaux wine in the United States. He also served as the Regent Emerite of the Commanderie de Bordeaux and was honored by the French Government with appointment as Officier de L’Ordre de Merite Agricole for services to the French wine industry. David’s legacy has been passed onto to son Alex Milligan, who’s also a “wine man” of distinction and his wife Julie.
The legacies of these pioneers of French wine can’t be overstated. We are honored to be partnering with families that share our passion for wine education and sharing amazing wine to the world. Next time you enjoy a glass of French wine, raise your glass in thanks to these “Originals.”
A Votre Santé!
Erlinda and Martha,
EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE. THROUGH WINE.
