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Victor De La Chapelle
Export Manager
Eastern Europe - Mediteranean area - Eastern Africa - Middle East - Indian Ocean area

Upon your arrival, what was your first impression of the B&G brand image?
I discovered Barton & Guestier because it was in the Top 50 of the World’s Most Admired Wine Brands in Drinks Magazine online! I was very impressed with so much history! I also like the labels very much, they are modern, but also represent the history of the company or the region, especially with the Thomas Barton Réserve range.

How is that brand-image of B&G today?
Stronger as time goes by. Many clients tell us how their parents used to drink B&G wines, and that it is one of the oldest and first French brands on the market. I am proud to be the ambassador for such a group.
I was also able to come to Chateau Magnol to take part in the training, and the way they teach you about the wine and the food pairing at the Academy just showed me how easy the wines are to understand and pair, and how much the wine complements and enhances your culinary experience, when paired correctly of course. B&G is more than just a brand or a company, it’s a family of people who love what they do and want to share it to the world.

Where do you see the most possibilities of development?
I think the potential is still huge in Europe notably in Italy but also in Seychelles where we will continue to grow our business sustainably.

What has been your biggest satisfaction so far?
One of my biggest satisfactions is when clients come back from their time in Chateau Magnol, telling me how amazing it was, and how the teams were all so nice and that the food, the wine and the whole experience was incredible, thanking us and promising to their best to promote B&G. They talk about B&G with so much pride it is very rewarding and motivating.

What is your best travel souvenir? And the worst?
I like travelling and meeting people so each trip is the best! My best travel souvenir is during the 25th years anniversary of Domaine Boyar. We made a very beautiful party with very welcoming people. The worst is during a trip in Turkey, the taxi driver dropped me in the highway because of a very big traffic on the bridge.

A favourite market?
Cyprus is a very interesting market. The crisis is behind and since 2 years there are more and more tourists. I like very much to go there because of the Greek influence. But I love all my markets because for me it is a great pleasure to share with people the wine culture and French Art of living.

What is your favourite B&G wine?
By far the Thomas Barton Reserve Privée 2009. A very powerful Medoc, full-bodied and a lot of character. I love the spicy notes and velvety tannins of this vintage.