Why it matters
The producer
Barton & Guestier's négociant model is based on partnerships with winegrowers in Languedoc, Gascony and Corsica. As a négociant, it assembles wines from partner growers across regions under one house name. Barton & Guestier is Bordeaux's oldest winehouse still active. Its range includes varietal wines under B&G Réserve, Les 3 Rius from Côtes du Roussillon Villages and Crémant de Bourgogne.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Les 3 Rius refers to L'Agly, Le Tech and La Têt, the three regional rivers associated with Barton & Guestier's Côtes du Roussillon Villages wine. A regional appellation identifies the place on the label. A varietal wine identifies the grape.
B&G Réserve uses grape names, so the range includes both regional appellation wines and varietal wines.
Wines to know
The range in view
B&G Réserve is the varietal line, with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The range also includes a Pays d'Oc rosé from Grenache and Syrah, Les 3 Rius from Côtes du Roussillon Villages, and Crémant de Bourgogne.
The Crémant is pale yellow with golden hints, fine, persistent bubbles and a soft mousse. The rosé is shiny salmon pink, with ripe redcurrant and raspberry aromas and rose on the nose. Its palate is crisp and lively, with intense pink grapefruit.