Discoveries Winemaker Tour ~ Kiona Vineyards USA in August 2009

Subject Line:  Tour 7 Discoveries Winemaker Tour, Kiona Vineyards Winery and the Washington State Lemberger Story Tickets now for sale

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Dear Wine and Food Lover,

Thank you for your support in our last tour, Tour 6 of the Discoveries Winemaker Tour featuring the sustainable wines of Château Roubine Provence Cru Classé.

We invite you to join us in the 7^th tour of our new series of ‘Discoveries Winemaker Tour’, a joint programme by m.a.x. concepts, wine merchant Cottage Vineyards (International) and local wine instructor, Damon Yuen, where each month, a visiting winemaker and Damon, will lead you to discover some of the world’s most exciting and unusual wines paired to a range of exquisite cuisine in various m.a.x. concepts outlets.

Our seventh tour, entitled, “Kiona Vineyards Winery and the Washington State Lemberger Story”, 20-22^nd August, 2009, will star the unique wines of elite Washington State , USA winery, Kiona Vineyards Winery, led by their very own winemaker  Mr.  Scott Williams and his wife Vicky.

This tour brings you to Washington State, USA, situated at the 46° latitude (somewhere between Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, FRANCE), which with chalky soils, boasts a somewhat “Old World terroir” with warm, sunny days during the summer grape-growing seasons and cool, crisp nights.

Founded in 1972 by Scott’s parents, John and Ann Williams and former partners with the purchase of 86 acres of raw land on Red Mountain in Southeastern Washington, Kiona’s Red Mountain location has now developed into the most prestigious vineyard real estate in the region.

Besides pioneering Red Mountain, the winery is most known for pioneering Washington State Lemberger, a rare German grape varietal originating from Württemberg, Germany, which in the “terroirs” of Washington State and the hands of John and Scott Williams, has become a specialty of the area.

The winery is also known for pioneering a Washington State Chenin Blanc ice wine, made from the pressing of frozen Chenin Blanc grapes.

Kiona’s wines offer New World fruit and vitality, yet with Old World elegance, earthiness, firm mineral spice and structure, in short, wines that match well with food, from Chinese, to European Continental, to Cajun and Creole cuisine.

Proof of the quality of Kiona’s wines can even be found in Hong Kong where two of Kiona’s red wines, the Kiona Columbia Valley Merlot 2005 and the Kiona Estate-bottled Red Mountain Lemberger 2005 won TWO of the eight BEST OF CLASS AWARDS in the Hong Kong International Wine Challenge at HOFEX 2009.  As for the Kiona Chenin Blanc-Riesling Ice Wine 2007, it has been given 93 points by Robert Parker.

Experience the magic of Kiona and Washington State in this tour’s series of three events (after 15% off for Cottage Vineyards Email List members) (Menus below and attached):

1. Kiona at LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB:  ‘ New Orleans Cuisine, Washington State Cuvées’ Winemaker Dinner (Tuesday 18^th and Thursday 20^th August, 2009 7:00pm – 10:30pm):  $628.00 / $533.00 NET per person


2. Kiona at PEARL ON THE PEAK:  ‘Fusion European Continental Cuisine, Washington State Wines’ Winemaker Dinner (Friday 21^st August, 2009 7:30pm – 11:00pm):  $648.00 / $550.00 NET per person


3. Kiona at MEZZ:  ‘The Washington State Lemberger Story’ Afternoon Paired Canapés Wine-tasting Seminar (Saturday 22^nd August, 2009, 3:30pm – 5:30pm):  $328.00 / $278.00 NET per person

ADVANCED TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED.  Tickets (available for sale) from 21^st June, 2009 can be purchased from Cottage Vineyards (International).  Call Tel.  2395 1293 or email tastings@cottagevineyards.com.

Hope to see you at our events.

Yours sincerely,

Ada Leung

Managing Director

Cottage Vineyards (International) Limited

釀酒師巡迴演奏之旅程七 – “一個關於Lemberger葡萄的故事”

各位朋友：

我們誠意邀請閣下參加釀酒師巡禮旅程七 -- 美心集團旗下的m.a.x. concepts， 村鄉葡萄園(國際)有限公司及葡萄酒培訓講 師袁錦強 先生每月都會邀請世界各地不同的釀酒師來臨香港。 與各位一同欣賞他們與別不同的葡萄酒之餘, 再配合由m.a.x. concepts製作的美食, 讓各位經歷一個充滿色、香、味的旅程。

在2009年8月18日至22日期間，我們會舉行美國華盛頓州Kiona”一個關於Lemberger葡萄的故事”品酒晚宴及品酒會，酒莊主人Mr Scott Williams和他的妻子Vicky會跟我們一同分享關於他們既奇妙又獨特的故事。

美國華盛頓州位於緯度46度 (法國波爾多及盧亞山谷緯度的中間)， 該處充滿石灰土，亦擁有著舊世界的風土特性， 夏天日間氣候溫和， 晚間清涼舒爽，合適葡萄生長。

1972年，Scott的雙親 – John Williams及Ann Williams跟前度合伙人在華盛頓州東南部的紅山，一同購買了86英畝未經開墾的土地。現在Kiona紅山的所在地已成為該處最有名氣的葡萄園。

除了開拓了紅山，亦同時開拓了廣為人知的華盛頓州Lemberger葡萄。這是一種德國符滕堡州所出產而又非常罕有的葡萄品種，經過John Williams及Scott Williams兩父子的雙手，以及華盛頓州的風土特質的感染後，成為了當處的特產。

另外，他們亦用了結冰的Chenin Blanc葡萄，釀製了非常獨特的華盛頓冰酒。

Kiona充滿了新世界的果香及生命力，但又蘊藏了舊世界的幽雅、樸實、強勁的礦物香料味道及極具層次感。總括而言，這是一款十分容易配搭食物的葡萄酒，如中式、歐陸式、Cajun式(由法國傳入美加,而由非洲藉人土主理的菜式)及Creole式(居住拉丁美洲或西班牙的法國人所烹調的菜式)等。

此外，於2009年的HOFEX舉辦的香港國際餐酒比賽中, 共有8款葡萄酒被評為BEST OF CLASS AWARDS (最佳級數大獎)，而Kiona Columbia Valley Merlot 2005及Kiona Estate-bottled Red Mountain Lemberger 2005囊括了兩個大獎。另外Kiona Chenin Blanc-Riesling Ice Wine 2007獲Robert Parker評為93分。

想感受華盛頓州Kiona的奇妙獨特，八月份舉辦的四場不同主題的品酒會或晚宴(可參考附件的菜單):

1.      Kiona at LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB: “新奧爾良特式晚餐”

(2009年8月18日星期二 7:00pm-10:30pm):

每位原價$628.00 八五折價錢: $533

(2009年8月20日星期四 7:00pm-10:30pm): (只餘少量門劵)

每位原價$628.00 八五折價錢: $533

2.      Kiona at PEARL ON THE PEAK: “歐陸風味的混合菜式”

(2009年8月21日星期五 7:30pm-11:00pm):

每位原價$648.00 八五折價錢: $550

3.      Kiona at MEZZ: “一個關於Lemberger葡萄的故事”

(2009年8月22日星期六 3:30pm-5:30pm):

每位原價$328.00 八五折價錢: $278

(註:所有村鄉葡萄園(國際)有限公司之電郵名單內客戶均享有八五折優惠)

有興趣參加品酒會或晚宴的朋友可於即日開始，致電村鄉葡萄園(國際)有限公司購買入場劵， 電話: 2395 1293或電郵: tastings@cottagevineyards.com

希望你能參予我們的酒會!!

Ada Leung

董事總經理

村鄉葡萄園(國際)有限公司

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LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB/ Dinner

‘ New Orleans Cuisine,

Washington State Cuvées’

Tuesday 18 and Thursday, 20 August, 2009, 7:00 —10:30pm

HK$628/ $533.00 NET per person for Cottage Vineyards Email List

Apéritif

 Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

1st Course

  Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Remoulade Sauce

鮮大蝦咯嗲配美式蛋黃醬

2nd Course

Kiona Chardonnay (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain2005 (94%Chardonnary/3%Viognier/3%Rousanne)

Oyster Rockefeller (Smoky Bay Oyster)

洛克斐勒焗生蠔

3rd Course

Kiona Lemberger (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain 2005

New Orleans Spicy Seafood Gumbo 新奧爾良香辣海鮮濃湯

4th Course

Kiona Cabernet-Merlot 2003 (81%Cab.Sauv./10%Merlot/6%Cab.Franc/3%Syrah)

Poulet Sauté á la Creole 克里奧爾焗雞卷

5th Course

      Kiona Columbia Valley Merlot 2005

Roast Prime Ribs of Beef Au Jus with Mashed Potatoes

特級燒牛肉配香滑薯蓉

6th Course

Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon (Estate-bottled)

Red Mountian 2002

Grilled Baby Lamb Loin with Maque Choux

扒羊仔枊。鮮薄荷。美式炒煙肉粟米

7th Course

Kiona Yakima Valley Ice Wine 2007 (53%Chenin Blanc/47%Riesling)

English Trifle with Fresh Berries

英式冧酒蛋糕

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PEARL ON THE PEAK / Dinner

‘Fusion European Continental Cuisine, Washington State Wines’

Friday, 21 August, 2009, 7:30—11:00pm

HK$648 / HK$550.00 NET per person for Cottage Vineyards Email List

Apéritif

  Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

1^st Course

Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

 Fig Salad with Rocket Shoot, Prosciutto and

25 years Balsamic Vinegar 巴馬火腿無花果沙律配意大利陳醋

2^nd Course

 Kiona Chardonnay (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain2005 (94%Chardonnary/3%Viognier/3%Rousanne)

Chicken Consommé with Shrimp Wonton 鮮蝦雲吞雞淸湯

3^rd Course

Kiona Lemberger (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain 2005

Pan-fried Salmon Fillet with Sun-Dried Tomato, Olive and Fresh Peppercorn 香煎挪威三文魚配橄欖番茄醬

4^th Course

Kiona Cabernet-Merlot 2003 (81%Cab. Sauv/10%Merlot/6% Cab. Franc/3%Syrah)

Shanghai Style Meal Balls with Linguini 酸辣汁肉丸意大利扁麵

5^th Course

Kiona Columbia Valley Merlot 2005 (Merlot)

Organic French Chicken Breast with Baked Aubergine and Sherry Morel Sauce 扒法國有機雞胸。雪利酒摩利菌汁

6^th Course

Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Estate-bottled

Red Mountian 2002

Grilled Australian Baby Lamb Rack 扒澳洲羊仔扒

7^th Course

Kiona Yakima Valley Ice Wine 2007 (53%Chenin Blanc/47%Riesling)

Raspberry Mille-Feuille with Raspberry Coulis

紅桑子酥皮千層。紅桑子醬

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MEZZ / Paired Canapés Tasting Seminar

‘The Washington State

Lemberger Story’

Saturday, 22 August, 2009, 3:30—5:30pm

HK$328 /HK$278 NET per person for Cottage Vineyards Email List

Apéritif

  Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

1^st Taste

  Kiona Columbia Valley Chenin Blanc 2006

 Lime Sorbet with Filo Pastry on Roasted Lime

靑檸檬雪葩伴酥皮

2^nd Taste

 Kiona Chardonnay (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain2005 (94%Chardonnary/3%Viognier/3%Rousanne)

Crabmeat and Avocado Ravigote 蟹肉牛油果沙律

3^rd Taste

Kiona Lemberger (Estate-bottled) Red Mountain 2005

Shanghainese Style Sweet and Sour Pork 滬式糖醋肉

4^th Taste

Kiona Cabernet-Merlot 2003 (81%Cab. Sauv/10%Merlot/6% Cab. Franc/3%Syrah)

Mini-pizza with Peppercorn Salami and Olive 迷你辣肉腸薄餅

5^th Taste

Kiona Columbia Valley Merlot 2005 (Merlot)

Beef Tenderloin Roulade with Cherry Sauce 櫻桃汁煮牛柳卷

6^th Taste

Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Estate-bottled

Red Mountian 2002

Grilled Lamb Loin with Mint Sauce on Lotus Root

扒羊柳。薄荷汁。脆炸蓮藕片

7^th Taste

Kiona Yakima Valley Ice Wine 2007 (53%Chenin Blanc/47%Riesling)

English Summer Pudding with Blueberries and Raspberries

英式雜莓布甸

 

意國情懷 匯聚北角 @Henry's Kitchen (Part 2)

<4> La Colombera, Vegia Rampana 2004

Grape variety:  Barbera

Visual examination:  clear, intense ruby-red colour with a shade of violet.

Olfactory examination:  intense and complex, it is a delicate quality wine. Fruity notes, such as marasca cherry, ripe prune, cherry in alcohol and jam, floral notes and a well defined and intense spicy character with pink pepper, nutmeg and cloves touches characterize this wine.

Refinement:  in stainless steel vat at controlled temperature

 

<5> La Colombera, Arché 2004

Grape variety:  Croatina

Visual examination:  clear, intense ruby-red colour.

Olfactory examination:  intense and complex, spicy scents predominate. Green and pink pepper join with pleasant vanilla, cloves and nutmeg touches. A peculiar and odd herbal balsamic note gives this wine greater complexity. Well defined, intense red fruits remind of fragrant plum, cherry and wild berry jams.

Croatina
Floral with flavours of bilberries and red fruit come through in the wine which has a slightly bitter finish. This red grape is known as Bonarda in the Oltrepò Pavese area of Lombardia (Bonarda dell' Oltrepo Pavese) where it is best known; it is not to be confused with a different variety known as Bonarda Piemontese. The Bonarda Piemontese typically produces wines which are light and fruity.

 

<6> La Colombera, Suciaja 2003

Grape variety: Nibiò, belonging to the family of Dolcetto grapes

Visual examination: clear, intense ruby-red colour.

Olfactory examination: the nose of this wine comes out to be always a peculiar experience not comparable to other tastings. Nibiò grapes offer spicy notes and an alternation of fruity and floral touches, very delicate and astounding. Pepper, vanilla and tobacco merge with red fruit scents, following each other continually.

Wine features: nibiò grapevine belongs to the family of dolcetto grapes, but during the years it has developed autonomously. Exceptional tasting experience, today only three producers still offer this wine.

 

 

<7> Bera, Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2005

Grape Variety – 100% Moscato bianco

The Moscato grape, the most renown of aromatic varieties, requires a specific technique to preserve all the grape’s fragrance in the wine.  The nose is fruity and aromatic, with hints of the grape itself, rose petals, yellow peaches, honey and lime flowers. A sweet, fresh and inviting wine, with a stimulating acidity.

 

<8> Marzadro, La Mia Grappa UVA Rosse 2001 (Merlot-Marzemino)

Grappa is a fragrant grape-based pomace brandy of between 37.5% and 60% alcohol by volume, of Italian origin, similar to Spanish orujo liquor and Portuguese aguardente. Literally "grape stalk", most grappa is made by distilling pomace and grape residue (mainly the skins, but also stems and seeds) left over from winemaking after pressing.

Pomace is the solid remains of grapes, olives, or other fruit after pressing for juice or oil. It contains the skins, pulp, seeds, and stems of the fruit.

In Italy, grappa is primarily served as a "digestivo" or after-dinner drink. Its main purpose was to aid in the digestion of heavy meals. Grappa may also be added to espresso coffee to create a caffè corretto meaning corrected coffee.

 

~ End J ~

 

謝謝 AM 大哥在 Project 170 的限制下，也預留 Quota 參加這個酒宴。

AM tasting notes:

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/amoksf108/article?mid=17822

也要謝謝 Eric 洪 Sir 百忙中，也抽時間來臨這個聚會，還一直恊助打點酒及食物的一切安排。

 

下次見！

 

mw 24-07-2009

意國情懷 匯聚北角 @Henry's Kitchen (Part 1)

Refer:

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/mariawan-blog/article?mid=3334

A wine dinner to share my passion in trying rare grape varieties.

Thanks to those who joined me for this adventure！

 

這夜的食物水準，也許令部份朋友十分失望！

如果是 ～ 就當是與一班朋友聚舊開心，而且給一些努力的小店經營者多一點機會及支持吧！

 

the wines

La Colombera

La Colombera winery is located in Piedmont, immersed in the green hills of Vho, a small village near the town of Tortona.

La Colombera 酒莊資料

http://www.lacolomberavini.it/uk/vigneti.htm

 

<1> La Colombera, Meo 2007

Grape variety: Cortese

Visual examination:  straw-yellow colour with greenish reflexes.

Olfactory examination:  fruity, rather intense and persistent. White fruit and floral nose.

Refinement:  in stainless steel vat at controlled temperature

 

<2> La Colombera, Bricco Bartolomeo 2006

Grape variety:  Cortese and a small part of Citronina

Visual examination:  straw-yellow colour, clear and rather consistent.

Olfactory examination: wine of good intensity and complexity, delicate and properly persistent. Intense fruity and floral notes; classical nectarine and apricot notes, together with broom flower emerge. Pleasant herbal traces in the finish. With ageing, classical touches of almond come out.

Refinement:  in stainless steel vat at controlled temperature

 

<3> La Colombera, Timorasso 2005

Grape variety:  100% Timorasso

差一點絕種而被救活過來的葡萄 ~

Visual examination:  clear, intense yellow-gold colour, consistent.

Olfactory examination:  during the first years after bottling fruity, nectarine, acacia flowers and whitethorn notes emerge. Candy-floss and acacia flower touches are usually well defined. A typical honey note predominates. While young, only light mineral and hydrocarbon notes are detectable, after three/four-year bottle refinement they become more defined and intense. On the nose it is intense and highly complex.

Refinement: nine months in stainless steel vat at controlled temperature on “noble” lees

Timorasso hails from south-eastern Piedmont, and more specifically, from the Colli Tortonesi (the hills around the small city of Tortona) which is bounded by the Langhe, The Monferrato Hills, and the Oltrepo` Pavese regions. Timorasso is not the rarest of rare Italian grape varieties, but it probably sits in the “second tier” of rarities.

After being forgotten during the Eighties, it was then re-discovered by different wine-dressers. Cited in the wines list of some among the best Italian and foreign restaurants, this wine is more and more appreciated and together with Barbera and Cortese best represents the current quality offer of the Tortona region.

 

  to Part 2 .....

mw 24-07-2009

尋尋覓覓 隱世葡萄；意國情懷 匯聚北角

the wines

• 
  
  La Colombera, Meo 2007  (Cortese)


• 
  
  La Colombera, Bricco Bartolomeo 2006  (Cortese)


• 
  
  La Colombera, Timorasso 2005  (Timorasso)


• 
  
  La Colombera, Vegia Rampana 2004  (Barbera)


• 
  
  La Colombera, Arché 2004  (Croatina)


• 
  
  La Colombera, Suciaja 2003  (Nibiò)


• 
  
  Bera, Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2005


• 
  
  Marzadro, La Mia Grappa UVA Rosse 2001 (Merlot-Marzemino)

 

尋尋覓覓 ~ 隱世葡萄

意國情懷 ~ 匯聚北角

 

FULL ~ Thank You !

 

送別米高積遜

 

Michael Jackson

R.I.P.

《August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009》

The King of Pop is gone!

 

心痛、不捨，但還是要接受！

看完整個米高積遜追思會，

不捨、無奈的心情更甚！！！

但願痛苦與壓力從此遠離你，

平静與歡欣永遠陪伴你。

 

Michael, Your legacy will live on forever!

Always in our Hearts!

 

六月之星 FAC 意大利酒宴 (Part 2)

"初戀"

Palazzi Rosso Di Toscana IGT 1999, Tuscany Italy

Grape Variety – 50% Cabernet Franc, 50% Merlot

AM 大哥奉獻的 "初戀"，為這夜增添了不少色彩，還勾起大家不少初戀的回憶及話題 ….. 最後有一句總結是： 『初戀係要有〝渣〞拿的！』

Arnaldo Caprai, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 1997

Grape Variety – 100% Sagrantino

Sagrantino is an Italian grape variety that is indigenous to the region of Umbria in Central Italy, and makes some of that region's most distinctive wines. The origins of the grape are widely disputed, but what is known is that it was used primarily for dessert wines for many years, the grape being dried in the passito style, much like a Recioto di Valpolicella.

At some point, the wines were made in a dry style, and that is how they are primarily produced today. The grape is one of the most tannic varieties in the world, and creates wines that are inky purple with an almost-black center. The bouquet is one of dark, brooding red fruits with hints of plum, cinnamon, spicy and earth, full-bodied and alcoholic strength between 13 and 15 percent degrees.

The Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG requires 100 percent sagrantino used, with a required 28 months aging before release. Sagrantino is of excellent storability. A more approachable and affordable Montefalco Rosso usually contains only 10-15% sagrantino and allows up to 70 percent Sangiovese and other grapes in the blend.

Arnaldo Caprai is the acknowledged leader in the production of top quality Sagrantino di Montefalco.

Armando Piazzo, Barbaresco DOCG Riserva 2001

Grape Variety – 100% Nebbiolo 

Cigliuti, Barbaresco DOCG Serraboella 2001

Grape Variety – 100% Nebbiolo 

Giovanni Rosso, Barolo Cerretta DOCG 2000

Grape Variety – 100% Nebbiolo

Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo Cannubi S.Lorenzo Rocche DOCG 2000

Grape Variety – 100% Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo produces lightly colored red wines can be highly tannic in youth with scents of tar and roses. As they age, the wines take on a characteristic brick-orange hue at the rim of the glass and mature to reveal other aromas and flavors such as violets, tar, wild herbs, cherries, raspberries, truffles, tobacco, and prunes. Nebbiolo wines can require years of aging to balance the tannins with other characteristics.

They’re characterized as being rich, full-bodied and chewy. These wines often have a high alcohol content (13% and above), as well as fairly substantial tannins, both of which are easily supported by the wine’s hefty fruit flavors.

Nebbiolo is a late-ripening variety that enjoys the moderate summers and long autumns of Piedmont and Lombardy, requiring as much ripening time as possible to balance its natural high acidity.  The Nebbiolo grape is also known as Chiavennasca, Picotener or Picutener, Pugent, and Spanna or Spana.

Romano Dogliotti, Moscato d'Asti DOCG Caudrina 2005

Grape Variety – 100% Moscato bianco

The Moscato grape, the most renown of aromatic varieties, requires a specific technique to preserve all the grape’s fragrance in the wine.  The nose is fruity and aromatic, with hints of the grape itself, rose petals, yellow peaches, honey and lime flowers. A sweet, fresh and inviting wine, with a stimulating acidity.

 

詳細酒評 請參看AM Blog ~

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/amoksf108/article?mid=16884

 

好友共聚、把酒言歡、賞心樂事！

希望大家都滿意小妹這次的安排。

 

Part 1 ~

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/mariawan-blog/article?mid=3232

 

mw 06-06-2009

 

六月之星 FAC 意大利酒宴 (Part 1)

六月有很多朋友生日。

這夜為三位六月之星 FAC (Fly, AM, Celia) 及一眾好朋友安排了一個小型意大利酒宴。

選址不作他想，還是鍾情 Ricky大哥的 Le Mieux Bistro。

無他，對食物水準及處理餐酒與配套都信心十足。

Fresh Oyster with Seafood Jelly and Asian Salsa Verde

Iberico Ham with Soft-Boiled Egg

Truffle Brie de Meaux Cheese and White Asparagus

French Gratinated Onion Soup

Roasted Pork Shoulder with Baked Mushroom Tomato Sauce

Pasta with Red Wine Beef Rib

Confit of Young Pigeon and Lamb Rack Fillet

最愛見到 Ricky 大哥的招牌四萬笑哈哈！

Wine of the night ~

今次特別揀選了一些較稀有的葡萄品種與大家分享

Ø   La Colombera, Timorasso 2005

Ø   Gravner, Ribolla Gialla Anfora, Venezia Giulia IGT 2001

Ø  Palazzi Rosso Di Toscana IGT 1999 , Tuscany Italy

Ø   Arnaldo Caprai, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG 1997

Ø   Armando Piazzo, Barbaresco DOCG Riserva 2001

Ø   Cigliuti, Barbaresco DOCG Serraboella 2001

Ø   Giovanni Rosso, Barolo Cerretta DOCG 2000

Ø   Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo Cannubi S. Lorenzo Rocche DOCG 2000

Ø   Romano Dogliotti, Moscato d'Asti DOCG Caudrina 2005

 

La Colombera, Timorasso 2005

Grape Variety – 100% Timorasso

差一點絕種而被救活過來的葡萄 ~

Timorasso hails from south-eastern Piedmont, and more specifically, from the Colli Tortonesi (the hills around the small city of Tortona) which is bounded by the Langhe, The Monferrato Hills, and the Oltrepo` Pavese regions. Timorasso is not the rarest of rare Italian grape varieties, but it probably sits in the “second tier” of rarities.

After being forgotten during the Eighties, it was then re-discovered by different wine-dressers. Cited in the wines list of some among the best Italian and foreign restaurants, this wine is more and more appreciated and together with Barbera and Cortese best represents the current quality offer of the Tortona region.

Timorasso has exceedingly thick skins, of which can lend the wine a highly structured, almost “tannic” quality. Further, the berries, when fully ripe, are very sweet, and therefore Timorasso can and does produce very full-bodied, high alcohol wines.

In the first year after its production the Timorasso is rather bland and unimpressive. It needs time. Pure varietal Timorasso will only show its real value and riches when it starts developing tertiary aromas in the bottle, and is then transformed from a “dumb” wine to one that is capable of real excellence.

Gravner, Ribolla Gialla Anfora, Venezia Giulia IGT 2001

Grape Variety – 100% Ribolla Gialla

Ribolla Gialla is grown in Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Slovenia, where it’s known as Rebula, and in Greece, where it’s called Robola.  Ribolla's been grown in Friuli since the twelfth century and is thought to be a native of this region, although there's some speculation that it has Greek origins.  This variety produces dry, crisp, citrus-flavored wines that are medium-bodied and deeply colored.  Ribolla will stand some aging, during which time it becomes richer and softer.

Serving this wine slightly chilled is better than attending it cold like normal white wine.

When it comes to winemaking there's New World, and there's Old World.

In a world where "traditional" or "natural" winemaking has now become a self imposed designation of the most extreme proponents of biodynamic and non-interventionalist winemaking, Josko Gravner puts them all to shame.

Josko Gravner is without doubt one of the most radical wine-makers on the Italian scene. The producer's philosophy is that the life of a wine begins in the vineyard; therefore, he tries to minimize his interference with the wine's natural 'growth', aiming to strenghten its ties with the land of origin. Gravner has also chosen not to filter his wines and to avoid using fertilizers, staking everything on an extreme work in the vineyard, and hardly using any sulphurous anhydride at all.


In the course of his ongoing experimentation and research, directed to the production of wines as 'natural' as possible, Gravner has gradually dropped wooden fermenting vats in favour of Georgian clay amphorae which he partially buries in the ground of the cellar, just like the ancient Romans used to do.

to Part 2 .....

http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/mariawan-blog/article?mid=3301