The Proust Q&A: Daniel Pi

Daniel Pi is the chief winemaker of Trapiche in Mendoza. Joining in 2002, during his 11-year tenure he has been instrumental in creating the estate’s single vineyard Malbecs in line with his goal to achieve the ultimate expression of the grape. He lives in Mendoza with his wife and children.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Taking time out by myself to relax and be at one with the universe. Of course, after a nice bottle of wine, this is quite easy to achieve!

What is your greatest fear?

For myself or my family to suffer a great illness.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father. Even though he has passed away, he is still alive in my soul.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Being a winemaker in Argentina and succeeding at my job.

What is your current state of mind?

A mixture of peace and vertigo. I’m enjoying my peaceful state of mind, but there are also plenty of new projects in the pipeline that are exciting me.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Sincerity, intelligence and a sense of humour.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Spectacular!

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

My family, my friends and my profession.

When and where were you happiest?

I enjoy the simple pleasures – being surrounded by friends and family with good music on in the background, a barbecue sizzling away and a couple of bottles of Malbec close by.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To play the guitar like Carlos Santana or Eric Clapton.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My hair?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My ability to persevere.

Where would you most like to live?

Right where I am in Mendoza.

What is your most treasured possession?

My health.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My sincerity, transparency and honesty.

Who are your favourite writers?

Franz Kafka, Enrique Rojas, Descartes and Plato.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Zorro.

What is it that you most dislike?

Lies and hypocrisy.

What is your greatest regret?

Not having enough time to spend with my children when they were very young.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guests and what three wines would you serve them?

Marcel Proust, Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. After a few bottles of Mosel Riesling, vintage Champagne and a 1990 Burgundy we’d chew the fat and discuss the importance of psychoanalysis.