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Uncorked: Thibault Pontallier
Born in 1986 in Bordeaux, Thibault Pontallier is the son of Paul Pontallier, winemaker and general manager of Château Margaux and he has worked as the Château’s first Asia representative since 2010. Before moving to Hong Kong, Pontallier lived in Vietnam, Norway, Italy , Spain and New York and graduated from HEC Paris Business School with a double Master’s degree in Management. In 2010 Pontallier co-founded Pont des Arts with Arthur de Villepin; a collection of wine from Burgundy and Bordeaux where the first two vintages in 2010 and 2011 used the work of French-Chinese artist, Zao Wou-Ki on the label. Pontallier tells dbHK about the “magical and beautiful place” of Château Margaux and inviting The Doors to dinner.
What vintage are you?
1986.
What bottle sparked your love of wine?
I tried a bottle of Margaux 1990 when I was 12 years old, and even to this day it is in my opinion the most beautiful and elegant wine in the world.
What would you be as a wine?
Probably a Château Margaux 1986, it has a great potential but it still needs more time!
Where are you happiest?
I would say a combination of being in a vineyard, in the middle of nature in France, but also on top of a tower in a buzzing city, with a great view and a nice glass of wine.
What’s your greatest vice?
I am French, so the list is long…
Best advice you ever had?
Do not take life too seriously.
Most overused word?
“Yes”.
Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?
A magnum of Krug 1961, probably the best Champagne I have ever tasted.
What’s the best and worst thing about the wine business?
The best is to travel and meet so many nice and interesting people from so many different backgrounds and cultures during the wine dinners. The worst would probably be the painful logistics and taxes in different countries…
What’s on your wine bucket list?
I love travelling, so I would love to visit the beautiful wine regions such as Tuscany and Portugal soon.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Winston Churchill, Elvis and The Doors!
Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)
110, I am a positive person.
Which wine would you like served at your funeral?
My vintage, Château Margaux 1986 which should be ready by then!