The Proust Q&A: Jean-Claude Mas

Jean-Claude Mas is the custodian of no less than 10 wine estates in the Languedoc, taking in 550-hectares of vineyards planted with 40 different grape varieties, including Domaine de La Ferrandière and the recently acquired Domaine du Silène. While he turns over €47 million a year from his Domaines Paul Mas vine ventures, winemaking is just one of his many passions, which include classic cars, Cuban cigars, motorbikes, horse riding, food, philosophy and jazz. He lives in Pézenas with his wife and three young daughters. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Harmony between what you feel, taste, smell, hear, touch and see. Beauty can make a day perfect.

What is your greatest fear?

Failure.

Which living person do you most admire?

Apple founder Steve Jobs.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Not doing any work… for six hours.

What is your current state of mind? 

Worried – it’s vintage time!

What is the quality you most like in a woman? 

Charisma… and long legs.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

I’m still trying to figure out what love means.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Not good enough” – I’m a perfectionist.

When and where were you happiest?

It can be any day and any time, never yesterday always tomorrow.

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

I’d like to be more patient and laid-back.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to play the piano.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My three daughters, but most of the credit should go to my wife. I’m not that good at delegating but for once I did well!

Where would you most like to live?

Right where I am in Pézenas, or Venice.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Impatience.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family first, my staff second.

Who is your favourite writer?

I’m a bad reader – I wish I read more besides cartoons and technical books, but lately I like what Naomi Klein writes. Victor Hugo and Albert Camus are my favorite classic writers.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Robert Parker (joke), Belgian comic book character Largo Winch.

What is it that you most dislike?

People that look for excuses and blame others for their failures.

What is your greatest regret?

Not having more true friends.

What is your motto?

If you want, you can.

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

I’d invite three people with named beginning with “B” – a young Brigitte Bardot, French actor and singer André Bourvil and French TV/radio presenter Philippe Bouvard. We’d kick off the night with a bottle of Bollinger 1996 and would move on to, Giorgio Grai Alto Adige Cabernet Sauvignon 1963, ending in style with Penfolds Grange 1990.