Today’s reflection takes us back to the first week of April, when we had the pleasure of visiting Barton & Guestier, recently crowned as Europe’s Winery of the Year, in the illustrious Bordeaux region of southwestern France.

Founded in 1725 by Irishman Thomas Barton, the Barton & Guestier estate is renowned for its diverse and distinctive wines. Over the course of three evenings, we were treated to a thematic tasting menu, where B&G’s head sommelier paired exquisite dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients with the most fitting wines. It was an experience filled with discovery and experimentation.

In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, I am delighted to share with you my favorite selections from the wines we tasted – brilliant Barton & Guestier wines paired with their perfect culinary matches.

Barton & Guestier Crémant de Bordeaux AOC Brut
Elegant and rich. A fresh, fruity sparkling wine with excellent acidity and a delicately creamy finish. Perfect as a standalone aperitif, it also pairs wonderfully with seafood, low-fat fish, and light appetizers. Awarded the Silver Medal for Wine of the Year 2024 by the Estonian Sommelier Association.

Barton & Guestier Bordeaux Blanc Sauvignon Blanc-Sémillon AOP
Dry, intensely fruity, well-balanced, and refreshing. A versatile companion to all types of fish and seafood.

Château Magnol Cru Bourgeois Haut-Médoc AOP 2021
Rounded and well-balanced with ripe, velvety tannins and a long, berry-driven finish. A high-quality yet versatile holiday wine, perfectly suited to beef, pork, duck, or robust cheeses.

Warm regards,
Liis