> Interview with...

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Solange GALAN
Château Magnol & Education Manager

Upon your arrival in 1998, what was your first impression of the B&G brand image?
I was at first very impressed with the strong international image of B&G not only in north America at the time but also all over Europe, in south and central America, in Russia, in Asia...
I remember that one of the first groups I took care of was from our distributor in Brazil where B&G wines were selling very well already!

How is that brand-image of B&G today?
Barton & Guestier offers today a large selection of French wines to our customers.
The strong relationships we developed with our partners and winegrowers allow us to develop great wines in each category. Vintage after vintage, the quality is consistent and meets the expectations of our customers.
New wines, new brands, new packaging are also created to match the taste of our clients.
The company's constant capacity to innovate is a key to success!

Where do you see the most possibilities of development?
I believe that France offers a good potential for Barton & Guestier even though the market is very competitive and difficult especially for brands.
More far away, I think that Asia, generally speaking is a booming market. There is China of course but also other countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia... A great challenge for the years to come!

What has been your biggest satisfaction so far?
Chateau Magnol is a wonderful Chateau where we host every week our distributors coming from all over the world.
It gives me a great satisfaction to share my wine knowledge with them. As it is true that the French wine industry is very complex, I try to make it simple and accessible for everyone. When they leave, they have a better understanding and for sure they become great Ambassadors of B&G!

What is your best souvenir at the Chateau? And the worst?
Over the years, I have to say that I had the opportunity to meet great people with different cultures, sometimes so different from ours!
I have many souvenirs like learning how to dance Samba or Sirtaki in the living room of the Chateau, singing with some Russian guests, playing "Petanque" with Koreans...
That reminds us that Chateau Magnol is also a wonderful place for conviviality where all guests feel like home. And it makes me feel special when several months after their visit, some guests just drop me an email just to say hello and thank the Chateau team for making their stay unforgettable!
The worst souvenir... I don't have any, so far so good!

What is your favourite B&G wine?
I have many! It depends on the occasion, the persons I am with... Difficult to choose one so I will give you two of my favorite B&G wines. The first one is Passeport Sancerre, very aromatic and fresh on the palate. I love it by itself, as an aperitif. The second one is Thomas Barton Réserve Margaux, a complex wine with a good balance and a long finish. Excellent with a peace of beef!

Solange joined Barton & Guestier in 1998 after a first experience in some of the most prestigious Chateaux (Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Haut Brion). She holds a Master degree in Business Management and diplomas in Wine business and Wine Tasting. Passionate about wine, Solange is fluent in French and English (she spent 3 years in San Francisco), married with 2 children, she loves travelling and sharing convivial moments with friends around a glass of wine!