Jean-Marie Guffens has been called (by Robert Parker no less) “The worlds greatest Chardonnay winemaker”. He started Verget in 1990 criss-crossing Burgundy to find where the best grapes, the oldest and best vineyards were situated. Making his way he convinced the vineyard owners to supply him with good quality grapes. The standards that he has set and the collaborations he has established over the years have cemented a real passion amongst the growers to constantly improve the quality of their products.
Jean-Marie has a distinct winemaking process and has developed a unique style all of his own. His wines display precision, good sharpness of fruit and considerable mineral focus married to good rich textures. In recent years he has undoubtedly been responsible for some of the most inspirational wines to come from Burgundy.
How did you get started in the wine trade?
I became winefarmer in 1980 after having tried to be an actor and a architect and as I was earning no money at all I became a courtier selling the wines of other wine farmers. I got tired of this so decided to make the wines myself that people asked me for and started Verget in 1990
What's been your proudest achievement to date?
Adopting my two girls in Colombia.
Provide a brief description of Verget.
We have built successful relationships with many different growers over the years. We are hands on and work to produce the best every time. Our grapes are all handpicked. These are loaded in small cases to preserve the health of the grapes, carefully transported, re-sorted if needed and pressed using a pneumatic press. There is total control of the winemaking from the beginning to the end. All wines are vinified, 'raised' and bottled at Verget.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
The best grapes make the best wine.
What's your most exciting grape variety?
Chardonnay of course, because she always ripens and permits the soil to go through the varietal character.
What do you consider to be your biggest challenge of winemaking in Burgundy?
To make good wines at popular prices at Verget.
What's the next step for Verget?
Me getting tired and Julien (my No.2) taking over the day work!
If you could own one wine property in the world what would it be?
Château d'Yquem.
Who has been your greatest influence in the wine trade?
Mr Lucien Peyraud of Domaine Tempier in Bandol
What's your favourite wine and who would you share it with?
Beside my own wines I love great champagnes and great sauternes and will only drink it with friends and family sitting outside in the evening at Tourettes.
Favourite place to relax away from the vineyard?
Under the olive trees at Tourettes or on Broadway Avenue in New York.
