Chateau Margaux is located in the village of Margaux in the Medoc region on the left bank of Bordeaux, and former US President Thomas Jefferson once named it the first of Bordeaux's "Five Famous Villages", and now it is also quite well-known around the world. Paul Pontallier comes from a family of wines and has been managing director of Château Margaux since 1990. Recently, he was interviewed by the famous wine website Wine-Searcher, and told his indissoluble relationship with Margaux. The following is a Q&A interview between the reporter and Mr. Paul.
1. Talk about your early life
A: I grew up not far from bordeaux, my parents were involved in winemaking, in fact, our family has been associated with wine for centuries. In the past, the family lived on the Château la Loge Saint-Léger winery, and although they did not earn much money, they left good memories. So to this day, my mother lives there, perhaps to remember our past.
2. Did you want to start working in the wine industry?
A: At first, my father didn't want me to touch wine, because he knew the hardships of the industry. As a teenager, I dreamed of being a medical worker, but my brother went to medical school, and I didn't want to follow in his footsteps, so I chose to study agronomy at the Grignon National Agronomic Institute of Paris. At first, my father was worried, but in fact, my interest in wine was far greater than he had imagined. Therefore, I later came to Montpellier to specialize in viticulture and viticulture.
3. How did you start your career at Château Margaux?
A: When I got my PhD in red wine at the University of Bordeaux, I completed my military service in the French Peace Corps (went to Chile and taught viticulture at the Catholic University of Santiago for 18 years). Two years after I returned, a friend told me that Margaux's technical director needed an assistant, and in 1983 I got my first chance to work at Margaux.
4. At that time, I didn't have much experience at the beginning of the work, would I be nervous?
A: It was a bit nervous, but at that time I was also very young, full of self-confidence, full of ambition and hope that it would be realized as soon as possible.
5) Margaux's reputation is strong right now, but why do you think the winery industry declined in the 1970s?
A: At that time, the Ginestet family was sitting on the Margaux winery, and the winemaking aspect was really unremarkable. However, many wineries have encountered difficulties during this period, and the collapse of demand has left them helpless. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to call the development of Bordeaux wines to such a glorious glory as they are today.
6. Margaux is the only winery you are mainly responsible for, have you ever worried that you will lack experience?
A: That's a good question. In the early years of Margaux, I also worked as a consultant and toured wineries in South Africa and New Zealand, allowing myself to continue to learn and remain in a state of fulfillment. So when it comes to wine, I'm open-minded and open-minded, because I know that the whole world is constantly brewing all kinds of jelly, which is a protracted battle.
7. Let's talk about en primeur. Last year's sales attracted a lot of negative news, I wonder what you expect from the sales in 2014?
A: First of all, I would like to say that Margaux's 2013 vintage was a success and we have no regrets. Now the winery is blending the 2014 vintage, and for us, 2014 was a good vintage but not a great vintage. But what I hope is that the pricing of the wine reflects its quality, and that the pricing of the wine will be authentic in all aspects of the wine.
8. Where is Margaux's main market now?
A: China and the United States remain the two main markets for wineries. Among them, we invested a lot in the Chinese market, although it was difficult to open at first, but the return was also quite rich, which is really a fascinating place. In addition, the United States, the winery's traditional market, is now equally important to us.
9. Has Margaux been affected by the Chinese government's policy of controlling the "Three Gongs" consumption?
A: Wine prices will fluctuate and will calm down after the increase. Under this policy, we still have confidence in the Chinese market. Now, Chinese is not simply opening a bottle of Margaux to talk about, but paying more and more attention to the quality of food and wine, which undoubtedly has a great impetus for the sustainable development of the wine industry.
10. If you are not familiar with Chinese consumers who are not familiar with the five famous villages of Bordeaux, how would you introduce Margaux to them?
A: I would say this: When you taste the world's most outstanding wines, the pleasure it brings is insurmountable, and Margaux is the winery that produces such wines. Margaux's intoxicating aromas, extremely balanced depth, density and structure make it unique and attractive among Bordo wines.
11. What is Margaux's intention in introducing the expensive Balthazar (12-liter bottle, worth $195,000)?
A: To be honest, wineries rarely engage in this type of marketing activity. However, this is also a good way to expand the winery's business.
12. In addition to Bordeaux, do you like any wine regions?
A: There are many good wines in the world, but I am also very open-minded and interested in contacting new production areas. However, I like Burgundy, where the wine often gives me a relaxed and pleasant feeling.
13. If you were alone on a desert island, what kind of food and wine would you choose?
A: If that's the case, I'm only worried about whether there's clean water and prey to catch. But for a pleasant dinner, I would choose a bottle of vintage Margaux wine and a roast pigeon to pair.
14. What are your hobbies?
A: Usually, I like to spend time with my family. I also enjoy reading books, especially in history. Gardening is also one of my hobbies.
15. Looking to the future, does Margaux have any plans to look forward to?
A: There is a plan that is almost on the verge of being realized. Five years ago, we commissioned British designer Norman Foster to design a new cellar and winemaking facility for the winery. The winery was renovated, the brewing equipment was expanded, and an additional building was built for visitors to see. In addition, the winery has built an underground warehouse to store winemaking equipment and wooden barrels. By June this year, all the work will be completed.
16. Finally, everyone wants to know, have you ever thought about leaving Margaux?
Never. After all these years, I still love my job, and I love Margaux.
Source: Wine-Searcher
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