Founded in Bordeaux in 1725 by Irishman Thomas Barton, Barton & Guestier has developed a premium brand strategy based on AOC and Varietal wines from the main French wine growing regions: Bordeaux, Loire, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône Valley, Languedoc, Provence and Gascony. With almost three centuries of experience, the brand’s expertise guarantees constant quality and style and reassures consumers in an increasingly-shifting market. Innovative and informative packaging, as well as modern communication tools, further help to make Barton & Guestier wines both popular and accessible for wine lovers in more than 130 countries.
Laurent Prada — B&G’s chef winemaker — and his team, work in partnership with 200 winegrowers with whom rigorous specifications and strict guidelines have been established to vinify, control and trace each wine. On behalf of A Global Lifestyle, I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Mr. Prada about his work with B&G and more. Additional info on Barton & Guestier can be found online at www.barton-guestier.com.
When did you first know that you were going to be pursuing a career within the wine business?
Laurent Prada: I did my first harvest when I was 13 in Charente. I understood at that time that vine and winemaking would play an important role in my life.
As B&G’s chief winemaker, what is a typical day of work like for you? How much do you travel?
Laurent Prada: My working days are extremely varied but there is one constant part which is the tasting session. It has to take place before lunch at 11h00. This is the time when I feel slightly hungry and when I am the most accurate in my tasting ability.
To you, what separates B&G’s wines from other top-tier wines? Is it the grapes?
Laurent Prada: I think B&G wines have a specific style. We use traditional winemaking technologies, but we have a special know-how in vinifying wines. Of course the grapes are our jewels. They have to be perfectly healthy and ripe at the moment of harvest. That sounds easy, but it is a very price job, that needs a lot of coordination.
How did you first start working with Barton & Guestier?
Laurent Prada: I joined B&G 15 years back and I must say it is one of the most exciting positions for a winemaker to get. I have to oversee about 50 different wines from all over France, each of them being a fantastic technical and human experience.
Do you have a favorite of the Barton & Guestier offerings?
Laurent Prada: As you know we are based in the Medoc region. And I am personally a fan of our Medoc and of the Chateau Magnol. But I must admit I also enjoy very much our beautiful Cotes de Provence and our “Heritage,” a Syrah/Grenache blend from Duché d’Uzes.
What is coming up for Barton & Guestier for the rest of 2019?
Laurent Prada: Of course the 2019 harvest. (laughs) Weather conditions so far have not been outstanding and we are just enjoying the first days of heat here in France…
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Laurent Prada: I have two main hobby, one in the mountains — tour skiing — and one on the sea — sailing. But I try to reduce my impact on the environment as climate change and disparition of bio-diversity is becoming one of the main concern of any wine maker.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Laurent Prada: It was the annual concert of the orchestra where my youngest son plays the oboe. Great fun but I was happy to get a glass of Chateauneuf-du-Pape afterward to get rid of the stress…
Finally, Laurent, any last words for the kids?
Laurent Prada: Make every day a party! Never hesitate to take the time to share some nice words, good food — and maybe a glass of wine with a loved one!
