Q&A with Wine Architect and Founder of My Wine Design
If you ever doubted whether architecture and design can be combined with being a wine expert, then Mr Pilens proves there are no limits. Even more, he graduated as one of the best from the BAUHAUS University in Weimar and managed to become a Member of the Ordre Des Coteaux De Champagne, one of the most notable Champagne fraternities in the world. He has now moved to Austria, and proudly puts a stamp on his latest wine furniture and accessories collection - MADE IN AUSTRIA. As he himself likes to say - he is there to make the wine world look better. Meat the head designer of My Wine Design.
What does wine architecture mean today?
Wine architecture isn't about the building where wine is made. It is about how one feels about wine. The experience of a visitor who is guided through the universe and ideas of a winemaker. The terroir. The tastes. The landscape. Architecture supports a winemaker. It gives wine a form.
How did you come up with designing wine furniture?
It all started in 2006, when I studied architecture in the Academie of Fine Arts in Vienna. There was a wine shop just opposite the street and I started studying the setup of the products, the interior, the experience. Then I went back to Latvia and worked on the interior of wine shop/bar/restaurant chain Vina Studija. It was a success story and even after more than 10 years I am still proud of it. Yet, the process was challenging, because there were no guidelines how the wine should be stored or displayed, so after dozens of wine bars, a champagne shop and wineries, I mastered the shelf that to my understanding is ideal. As material for the wine rack I have chosen metal, because wood is so heavy, so overwhelming, but I wanted the bottles to stand out, I wanted it to be airy and light. Even filigree.
Now that you have set up your own wine cellar, what are the greatest challenges to deal with?
When you start a cellar, the most important thing is to organize it, so that the cellar visit is a journey through one's personal wine taste. To create a feeling that the cellar is half full and not half empty. Rarely one starts with a full load.
How do you organize your wine?
I organize it by terroir. I am a great fan of champagnes, so I have a room for that too, and a family collection organized by the birth years of our four kids.
Do you consider yourself to be a wine collector?
Yes!
How many bottles do I need to own, before starting to organize?
I could say 30, but what I mean is that you should have 30 different, so that you have something to organize.
Does a cellar need a wine curator?
I believe that one has to be a curator of its own wine collection, because no one will know your taste better. It has to be personal instead of anonymous. Still, if you lack knowledge, it's good to ask a professional, a sommelier or a person you trust for advice. I am also very sure that there is no big deal to buy big names and expensive bottles, it is more special to invest smartly in bottles that will grow in value. And I always judge a collection when I see the bottles people choose for their everyday lunch or dinner, you know - the basics.
Can you name some great wineries around the world?
Manincor in Alto Adige, Italy. Antinori in Tuscany, Italy. El Maestro Sierra in Jerez, Spain.
As you are based in Kamptal region, which is celebrated for Sekt, could you name 3 examples one should put in a cellar?
Schloss Gobelsburg Vintage 2008 is exceptional. Weingut Bründlmayer Brut Rose and Jurtschitsch Brut Nature.
And speaking about the “next big thing” — 3 names I should not miss to store as they might age well or maybe become superstars?
Muchada-Léclapart Elixir already is iconic, but will be even more sold out in the future. Emmanuel Brochet champagne is worth storing. And Enrico Rivetto is a winemaker from Barolo region that has already changed the region with his biodynamic approach. He is so passionate, a pioneer. I believe he is a ticking time bomb in a very positive way - so you better store now!
What should one know before starting a wine collection? And starting a wine cellar? Any design tips?
Avoid a cellar that is too small. You know what I mean?! When you are hooked, there is no way out. Wine is a good investment!
“Keep all your wine corks wet” says a line on the My Wine Design web. What great advice?!
Well, it's a funny quote, but is absolutely true to keep the wines in a good shape and store for the future.