Interview
with Bruno Laboucarié

Q-You've been described as a "top domaine"... why? A-I think the reason for our being described as such is summed up by the saying: "great wines are made in the vineyard" - everything depends on the quality of grapes. So for me, harvest is the most exciting moment, it's when I know how great the vintage will be.

Q-Can you describe your mission?
A-To showcase nature's generosity. In the vineyards, that means working with nature in a sustainable way while respecting her capriciousness - ultimately, nature decides the greatness of each vintage. In the cellar, that means mastering the methods that best allow us to express the character of our vines and our unique terroir.

Q-What are your secrets for making exceptional wines?
A-First, you must see the land through your ancestors' eyes - and apply what you've learned from them. Second, you mustn't copy - authentic inspiration only comes from an understanding of what affinities are possible given the particular terroir, the grapes varieties and the appropriate cellar practices.

Q-Mission accomplished? A-Each year is a new mission. My father accomplished many missions - restructuring the vineyards, introducing carbonic maceration, developing new wines like the Gris de Gris and La Demoiselle - now it's my turn to pioneer. Vineyard planting is underway, including new Syrah parcels, and new pruning methods are being adopted. In the cellar, I'm optimising temperature-controlled fementation techniques and experimenting with barrels in our new aging facility. Our mission will never be accomplished - every action raises new questions, consumers' tastes change, it remains necessary to innovate...