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VINS DE FRANCE
– INNOVATION –
represent 85% of our markets”, says a delighted Sophie
Bougrier. “However, we are also driving sales of our ranges
in the French market where the prospects are good, there is
good feedback from our customers and our Vins de France
are reaching higher price points”.
BARTON & GUESTIER: THE JOY OF EXPORTS
The story of this key component of French wine heritage
began in 1725 when Irishman Thomas Barton settled in
Bordeaux. He was soon considered one of the 18 th century’s
best maturers of French wine. Today, Barton & Guestier
continues to select, produce and ship the finest French
wines and exports account for 95% of its sales. “Our
wines show the hallmark features of their appellations
and grape varieties”, explains Philippe Marion, deputy
director of Barton & Guestier, Patriarche and Listel. “Our
international presence requires us to develop qualities
catering to the major consumer markets in the world.
Vin de France helps us to do this. The strength of these
branded wines lies in their consistency and quality
stability”. Rosés, Pinot noirs and, more broadly speaking,
all the grape varieties that are difficult to source in a
single region are best sellers, with top-end wines currently
on-trend. “The grape variety is the number one cue, the
brand ranks second and the price third”.
Philippe Marion, deputy director of Barton & Guestier,
Patriarche, Listel
DOMAINES AURIOL: A HISTORY OF PASSION
As a child, Claude Vialade would accompany her father
Jean in the vineyards and cellars of Château de Pech-Latt
where he was the manager. After studying business, this
passionate wine enthusiast began her career distributing
wines in the international market for a producers’ group.
After a stint as manager of the Corbières appellation, she
created her own company in 2000. Today, Domaines
Auriol is a superb standard-bearer for Languedoc wines.
“Our Vins de France have a Mediterranean profile and
the vast majority have an environmental endorsement”,
explains Vialade. “Occitanie wines offer the flexibility
to adapt to each market. Also, the ability of company
executives to think outside the box and drive innovation,
securing good international recognition, should be
commended”. For the estate, marketing a wine under
the Vin de France designation offers greater latitude to
adapt each offering to its destination market in terms of
sweetness, oakiness or tannins.
Claude Vialade and Jordi Salvagnac, operations director at
Maison Auriol
WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 39