B&G Blog

Getting to Know Barton & Guestier

Barton & Guestier has been at the forefront of the wine business for almost three centuries, earning the trust of connoisseurs worldwide by providing only the finest vintages. Whether at a cocktail party or a family dinner, our wines have always been a highlight of the occasion, elevating festivities to the next level. The wines we carry at Barton & Guestier will surely put glitziness into your special occurrences and make casual moments more exciting.

Our History

The origins of Barton & Guestier can be traced back to Thomas Barton, a native of Ireland, who settled in Bordeaux in 1725 to establish his own winemaking company. Hugh, Barton's grandson, joined forces with Frenchman Daniel Guestier to expand the company, and the two men officially formed a partnership in 1802. Barrels and bottles of exquisite B&G wines were transported from the Chartrons district in central Bordeaux onto ships that traveled the Garonne river to many nations.

Demand for our wines began in the United States, Ireland, England, and Holland but has since spread to more than 130 other nations. Dating back to the 18th century and designed in the style of a Gallo-Roman villa, Château Magnol serves as the headquarters for B&G. The Château was purchased in 1969, followed by the vineyards in 1979, which led to the amalgamation of Domaine de Maignol and Domaine de Dehez to form Château Magnol. The establishment is now the oldest winery in Bordeaux that is still operating.

A Great Selection of Merlot Wines

Bordeaux, Loire, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, Provence, Languedoc, Gascony, and Corsica are just some of the places that contribute to the wide variety of French wines offered by Barton & Guestier. Our finest AOC wines include Château Magnol, a Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois classification made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

Our crowning achievement is the original B&G Merlot, which is an IGP Pays d'Oc. All of the grapes used come from designated vineyard sites, where the types of grapes grown, as well as the yields and winemaking techniques, are strictly regulated. Moreover, the pruning, harvesting, vinification, aging, blending, and bottling processes are all closely monitored by the B&G winemaking team.

What is Merlot?

Some of the most prestigious and pricey wines in the world are made from Merlot grapes in Bordeaux. This variety crosses the Cabernet Franc and Madeleine Noire des Charentes. Historical records show that Merlot originated in Bordeaux in the late 1700s when it quickly became a staple crop and was given the name "merlau" (blackbird) after a native species found in the area. The grape variety gets its reputation from its ability to take on the characteristics of its environment and winemaking methods.

Merlot wines are frequently dry with moderate acidity and delicate tannins. They can have a wide variety of flavors, from graphite and herbs to blackberries and black cherries to plums and cocoa, with additional layers of tastes like clove, vanilla, and cedar from oak aging.

Pairing Food with Merlot Wine

Because of its easy-going tannins and fruity flavors, Merlot is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of dishes. Chicken and turkey, mainly when roasted, as well as burgers, duck and pork with sweet sauces, and tomato-based pasta dishes, are excellent meal pairings. You may also pair it with steak, grilled lamb, ratatouille, or roasted vegetables, which are all superb food matchups complementing traditional Merlot wine.

The 'Sideways' Effect on Merlot

In 2004, the romantic comedy "Sideways," whose protagonist, Miles Raymond, is enamored with wine, brought Merlot red wine back into the spotlight. Miles avoided drinking Merlot in the movie because it was his ex-favorite wife's drink, which has had a significant real-world impact on grape output ever since.

In fact, according to sommeliers, winemakers around the world redoubled their efforts to craft Merlot into the kind of serious wine its connoisseurs have always known it is capable of producing by planting it in more ideal locations, not over-cropping it, and giving it careful attention during the fermentation process.

Our Favorite Merlot Wine

B&G Réserve Merlot

The magnificent B&G Réserve Merlot is IGP Pays d'Oc classified and made from the finest Merlot grapes. The wine has a deep ruby red color with purple undertones, and it tastes primarily of fruit—specifically, a harmonious blend of raspberry, cherry, and wild strawberry. Once you give it a good swirl, you'll be greeted by the comforting scent of toasted vanilla. With smooth tannins and a long, refreshing finish, our Réserve Merlot is a wine of remarkable harmony and balance. Best served chilled, this wine pairs beautifully with barbecue dishes, creamy pasta, and decadent chocolate desserts.

Due to its adaptability and nuanced flavor, Merlot red wine is enjoying a spectacular rise in popularity around the globe, inspiring wine enthusiasts to create hashtags like #MerlotMonth and #MerlotMe in its honor. The best times and memories are shared over a bottle of this exquisite red wine, so it's no wonder that Merlot conveys a deep connection with excitement and jubilation.