One of South Africa's most influential winemakers has died at the age of 83

Dr Julius Laszlo, cellarmaster at Die Bergkelder from 1978 to 1992 and one of South Africa’s most influential winemakers, has died in Stellenbosch. He was 83.

Credited with playing a pivotal role in changing the face of the South African wine industry, he was one of the key protagonists in upgrading the quality of vineyards established at the Cape, sourcing new vine material and focusing on the cultivation of noble winegrape varieties. He also pioneered the use of small oak barrels for the maturation of red wines at a time when mostly larger-sized vats were in vogue.

It was through his work at a viticultural and vinicultural level that the foundation was laid for the production of Pongracz and JC le Roux sparkling wines.

Paying tribute to Dr Laszlo, who retired from Die Bergkelder in 1989 but remained on till 1992, Jan Scannell, MD of Distell, of which Die Bergkelder now forms a part, said: “Dr Laszlo brought modernity to South African winemaking and leaves an enduring legacy.

“With his erudition, experience and capacity for innovation, he helped to break the impact of the economic and cultural isolation experienced by South African wine producers during his tenure and he exposed us to international research and techniques.

“His stringent standards, his pursuit of excellence and his innovations not only led to the improvement of Die Bergkelder’s wines but prompted widespread improvement in wine-growing and winemaking throughout the country with long-lasting results.”

The son of a Hungarian family, Dr Laszlo was born in 1926 in the Romanian province of Transylvania. After graduating from the University of Cluj in Transylvania, he furthered his studies in Moscow, earning a PhD for his research on soil microbiology.

On his return to Romania he was appointed director of the Romanian Research Institute for Viticulture and Oenology, Valea Calugareasca, a position he held until 1974, when he and his family left Romania for South Africa as political refugees.

He was initially employed at the Viticultural and Oenological Research Institute in Stellenbosch.

Three years ago, the Fleur du Cap team, based at Die Bergkelder, released an exclusive signature red blend, which they named Laszlo, to celebrate his achievements. Dr Laszlo was able to attend the launch event and reminisce with old friends over dinner in Die Bergkelder, the mountain cellar he helped to establish.