Life on the estate 3 questions to : Jean-Yves Morel, Bottling and Packaging Manager

At Château d’Issan, every bottle is the culmination of a long process of collective work. Since joining the estate in 2001, Jean-Yves has been involved in many stages of its production. He first worked in the vineyards before becoming a tractor operator, and later gained experience in the cellar before taking responsibility for bottling, packaging and logistics. This varied career has given him a particularly comprehensive understanding of wine today, from the vineyard all the way to its journey to destinations around the world.

1. You joined Château d’Issan in 2001. How did your career path lead you to your current role in bottling and packaging?

“I joined Issan as a vineyard worker. I then worked as a tractor operator and had the opportunity to discover some of the stages involved in the cellar as well. These experiences gradually gave me an understanding of everything that happens before a bottle reaches a customer’s hands.

Working in the vineyards taught me the importance of every intervention and the time needed to care for the vines throughout the seasons. Moving into the cellar then allowed me to discover another stage in the making of the wine. Today, working in bottling and packaging, I appreciate even more the value of all this work.

This versatility has changed the way I see my job. I know what lies behind every bottle and understand that all the teams complement one another. Everyone plays their part at a different stage, but we are all working towards the same goal: preserving the quality of the wine all the way to its final destination.”

2. We sometimes imagine that the work is over once the wine is in the bottle. What actually happens before a bottle of Issan leaves the estate?

“Bottling and packaging are the final stages, but they require a great deal of precision. Once the wine has been bottled, the bottles need to be protected and stored under the right conditions before being shipped. Then comes the dressing: capsule, label, back label… Every order is different depending on its destination and the requirements of the country concerned.

The job has changed considerably since I joined the estate. Formats and packaging options have become more diverse, export requirements have become more demanding, and traceability has become increasingly important. Today, we prepare everything from six-bottle cases to exceptional bottles, including very large formats.

These developments require greater anticipation, precision and adaptability. The renovation of the storage building in 2019 is a good example. Part of the building was demolished and rebuilt, while we continued working in a more restricted space. We had to rethink our organisation, make the most of every available space and work in new ways. It was a very rewarding experience, which once again showed us the importance of being able to adapt and work as a team.”

3. How do you feel when you see a bottle of Issan setting off for the other side of the world?

“I don’t just see a bottle ready to be shipped. I see the work of everyone who has contributed to its creation, from the vineyard to the cellar, and then through to its bottling and packaging.

As the final link in this chain, I have a responsibility to represent this work and the image of Château d’Issan as well as possible. Knowing that a bottle I have prepared will be discovered on the other side of the world is a real source of pride.

After all these years, if there is one value that characterises Issan for me, it is high standards. High standards when it comes to quality, at every stage, but also the ability to evolve with the times without losing its identity. It is this combination of expertise, tradition and adaptability that allows Issan to continue moving forward.”