The Proust Q&A Marco Cirillo

Marco Cirillo is the chief  winemaker at the old vine Grenache Cirillo Estates Winery in the Barossa Valley whose vines were planted in 1848 – making them possibly the oldest known commercial vines. He opens up to db on trying to be a better golfer and having dinner with Jim Morrison.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A comfortable life with my family.

What is your greatest fear? 

Losing my 1848 Grenache vineyard, the oldest Grenache vineyard in the world.

Which living person do you most admire?

My father.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Cars and golf.

What is your current state of mind? 

Constantly confused.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

Honesty and humility.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

Family and cars.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Do you have Grenache!

When and where were you happiest?

I’m always happy.

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

To be a better golfer.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to sleep on a plane.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Building my own winery and brand to leave for the next generation.

Where would you most like to live?

Other than the Barossa Valley, the Amalfi Coast.

What is your most treasured possession?

Life.

What is your most marked characteristic?

A warped sense of humour and being stubborn!

Who is your favourite writer?

Mark Twain

Who is your hero of fiction?

Wolverine

What is it that you most dislike?

Liars and bad wine.

What is your greatest regret? 

Not applying myself when I was younger.

What is your motto?

Never give up and let’s have a go.

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

It would have to be Jim Morrison and I would serve Henschke Mount Edelstone, Chateau Rayas, and one of my Cirillo 1850 Ancestor Vine Grenache.