Erik Sauter

Born in Maastricht in the Netherlands, Erik Sauter received professional training between 1962 and 1964 in Bordeaux (Pomerol and Talence) under Professor Emile Peynaud, as well as in the Loire and Landes regions. He also studied at the Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt für Weinbau in Trier (Germany) and at the Lycée Agricole Davayé (France).

From 1964 to 2000, he was active in the Sauter's Wijnkelders Maastrich wine importing and ageing company. In 1966, he was appointed Chevalier du Tastevin at Clos Vougeot in Burgundy. Between 1967 and 1975, he worked as a taster and expert for the Répression des Fraudes. From 1970 to 2000, he was Managing Director of Sauter's Wijnkelders Maastricht.

From 1974 to 1978, Erik taught at the Academy for Vinologen. From 1977 to 1985, he was administrator, operator and winemaker at Château Carcanieux (Cru Bourgeois Médoc) with Jacques Boissenot as oenologist. In 1978, Erik became Commandeur d'Honneur of the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves. The same year, he published and edited a portrait of Jacques Perrin de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape entitled "Portret van een Vigneron".

Since 1978, he has been a full member of the Académie Internationale du Vin in Geneva. In 1982, he translated and edited Max Léglise's book "Une Initiation à la Dégustation des Grands Vins". In 1985, he became a sworn broker and was a member of the Vinologen Academy's Examination Committee until 1992.

From 1990 to 2012, he was a partner, shareholder and board member of Maison Verget in Sologny (France). From 1992 to 2022, he was co-owner and winemaker of Domaine Mondivin in Villány (Hungary). From 1997 to 2023, he was vice-president of the A.I.V. in Geneva.

In 2002, he became a partner and shareholder in GFA de la Tour Boisée in Minervois (France). In 2004, he was named Chevalier dans l'Ordre du Mérite Agricole in Paris. Between 2006 and 2016, he was director of the Grand Cru Beleggingsmaatschappij. In 2009, he was named Chevalier du Cep Ardèchois (France). From 2010 to 2014, he was co-owner of the Les Chemins de Bassac winery in Côtes de Thongue Puimisson (France).

In 2000, Erik Sauter founded ESP Erik Sauter Partenaire b.v., where he worked as a consultant, author and columnist for various publications (Sauter Wijnen, Proefschrift, Chapeau, Gault Millau, among others).