"Wine is a symbol for French culture. We are unique worldwide." A forthright attack from the start. "Though we should not succumb to chauvinism," adds Paul Robineau, aged 30. "On a recent trip to Japan, I saw that the Japanese are real connoisseurs." An enlightened foreign clientele, as found in the Maisons Gardinier. For this reason, and to make wine more accessible to neophytes, Paul Robineau insists on training for his teams. "There is a lot of ego in our profession, it's a bit like who knows best… Even so, pedagogy and humility are indispensable." In the dining-rooms, sommeliers thus willingly share their knowledge without ever giving lessons. Which is necessary when we learn that over 320,000 bottles slumber in the Group's wine cellars. A selection aiming to be eclectic and international, boasting great classics, wines under allocation, and vintages dating back to the 19th century. "Thanks to the Gardinier family's visionary philosophy, we are lucky to present prestigious allocations such as the Domaines of Coche-Dury, Armand Rousseau and Georges Roumier, and this in Burgundy alone." The expert also aims to satisfy new tastes by proposing organic/biodynamic wines, ready for tasting, which, he says, "are more appreciated by young consumers".

From a family of wine producers in the Loire Valley, Paul Robineau found himself face to face with wine cellars at a very early age. Aiming to build musical instruments when he was young, his love of the terroir finally caught up with him. A career choice he certainly does not regret today. Motivated by the discovery of new gems, he does not restrict himself to French vineyards. "In northwest Spain, Galicia produces a white wine highly iodized, mineral, and a rather spicy red." Something to inspire audacious pairings. For Paul Robineau likes to play on contrasts, and sometimes surprise with unexpected associations. "Take a 20-year-old Madeira, and pair it with pigeon and foie gras. Or a robust red wine, with monkfish and bacon." Combinations hitting just the right note! "We work with chefs who are ready listeners, but also passionate about wine. Which makes for real synergy." In search of excellence, and in addition to his title as Best Young Sommelier in the United Kingdom 2020, Paul Robineau is looking forward to obtaining his Master Sommelier diploma at the end of 2024.