Argentine enologist Gabriel Ansiaume dies in Mont Blanc climbing accident

Gabriel Ansiaume, a 39-year-old renowned enologist from Mendoza, Argentina, died following a climbing accident in the Mont Blanc massif, France. The incident occurred at the Aiguille du Peigne, a peak reaching 3,192 meters near Chamonix.

According to reports from the Chamonix High Mountain Gendarmerie (PGHM), Ansiaume and his cousin, also an Argentine national, were descending the mountain via rappelling after successfully completing their ascent. During the descent, both climbers lost their balance and fell into the Couloir des Papillons. While Ansiaume died at the scene, his companion survived the fall but sustained serious injuries, including spinal trauma, and was evacuated by helicopter to the hospital in Sallanches.

Ansiaume was a highly respected figure in the wine industry, having worked in Mendoza, France, and Slovenia. He served as the head enologist for Bodega Dos Familias in Luján de Cuyo since 2015 and was involved in the La Giostra Del Vino project. His professional background included experience at Chateau Peneau in the Bordeaux region. The local viticulture community has expressed deep mourning for his passing.