Jean Luc clearly made an impression on the South African Wine industry, and passed away this weekend after a long illness.
Jean Vincent Ridon remembers him fondly: 'The sun goes down in South Africa, and my old friend Jean Luc Sweerts left us today. He was an extra terrestrial winemaker so he probably flew back to his planet... He will be missed by his daughters, and his friends, including every winemaker who knew and respected his difference.
He made the South African wine industry better, and he will be remembered for fabulous wines, and his passion for Spanish chorizo. Godspeed my friend, fly high among the stars. We will drink a great wine to celebrate your life tonight'
Jean Luc worked with Achim von Arnim, at Boschendal, and became head winemaker at Avontuur before moving to Grande Provence. He made legendary wines in those days, such as Avontuur Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, MCC and Blush (A pink chardonnay) and eventually starting his own brand MC Square.
He was also a good friend of Jean Louis Denois, French Champagne consultant who steered the MCC revolution in SA.
Condolences to his family and all who loved him.