Uncorked: Manon Barthe

Manon Barthe is the sommelier at newly awarded Michelin-starred institution, Serge et le phoque in Wan Chai. She speaks to db HK about working in a male-dominated world and being “immortal.” She has been in Hong Kong for 10 months and lives in Sai Ying Pun.

What vintage are you? 

I’m a 1986.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

A “Silex” from Dagueneau 2003, when I was doing my apprenticeship in Marseille.  When I tasted it, I had goosebumps on my arms and I knew at that moment I was made for that job. Feeling those emotions with wine is amazing.

What would you be as a wine?

I would definitely be a white, certainly a Vermentino from Corsica. I spent three years there in 5-star hotels and fell in love with all the wines and winemakers from that area.

 Where are you happiest?

Oh, certainly on horseback, I’ve been practicing that sport since I was a child.

What’s your greatest vice?

Obviously to be epicurean…! Being French doesn’t help also. I love food and wine so much!

Best advice you ever got?

From my first head sommelier told me, ”to know wine, you have to taste a lot”…you cannot learn only with books. You have to meet the winemaker, discover the region, and taste! It’s the only way…

 Most overused word?

“A un moment donné” with a Marseille accent…meaning “there are moments for…”

Your cellar’s underwater, which bottle would you dive in and save?

I will let it sink!! Did you hear about the evolution of wine under water? Sure, let it sink and come back later to see what’s happened…!

What’s the best & worst thing about the wine business?

Oh…actually being a girl in that industry is the best and the worst! It’s a guy’s world – even though it’s changing – but it’s still hard to have your own place.

 What’s on your wine bucket list?

I always have a top 5 or top 10 of what I want to try in the next few months, there are too many…

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

All the people who helped me and believed in me in this industry; head sommelier, kitchen chef, winemakers… just to thank them. I have been lucky to meet some incredible people who really trust in me and help me to be where I am now.

Personal satisfaction (Parker points – out of 100)

Today-hum….I’m at my top, so I will give a 120…!

Which wine would you like served at your funeral?

How can I already think about that??  And anyway, I will not die, I am immortal..!