Happy Easter
祝大家有個愉快假期！
2008年3月21日 星期五
2008年3月16日 星期日
港人等歎平香檳
法國80年來首擴生產區
港人等歎平香檳 東北增38生產區
兩周內公布 明年生效
(明報) 03月 15日 星期六 05:05AM
法國80年以來首次擴大香檳生產區，由原來的319個分區擴充至357個，預料明年正式生效。現時全球每年香檳銷售額高達50億歐元（606億港元）。
僅區內出產氣酒才可稱香檳
雖然一般人都會以「香檳」來稱呼有氣葡萄酒（或稱氣酒），但事實上只有在法國東北部香檳區3.35萬公頃葡萄園出產的有氣葡萄酒，才是正宗的香檳。歐洲國家對原產地字號要求向來嚴格，以名酒聞名的法國更是嚴格控制以原產地命名名酒，以保質素。現時香檳生產區在1927年劃定，只有範圍內319個地區的葡萄園出產的氣酒才可稱為「香檳」，佔地遠少於波爾多 紅酒的12萬公頃。
法國原產地命名監控機構（AOC）周四通過擴大香檳區，新增的產區將於兩周內公布。有關決定有待法國政府簽署法令，預料明年正式生效。
界內外地價相差200倍 料惹訴訟
酒類專家自2006年3月起研究哪些葡萄產品可以加入「香檳」字號，並考慮一系列條件，當中尤以土壤最重要。負責劃界的佛雷特（Gilles Flutet）說：「若你的酒莊不幸落在界外，那麼你的土地可能1公頃只值5000歐元（6萬港元）；但若落入界內的話，則可躍升至100萬歐元（1200萬港元）。」由於一界之差地價相差200倍，預料有關當局劃定新產區後，不幸落選者將興訟「爭名」。
法國酒業近年因過度生產而蒙受打擊，反而香檳卻一枝獨秀，主要原因是受惠於亞洲與俄羅斯經濟起飛。全球香檳產量在去年創歷史新高，出口達1.5億瓶，較2006年增加7.3%。
其中出口至俄羅斯的香檳激增41%；中國亦勁升30%，過去5年增幅近9倍。亞洲目前佔整體香檳出口9%。法國仍是香檳最大飲用國，去年內銷達1.88億瓶，英國 則位列第二。
法新社 / 泰晤士報
2008年3月12日 星期三
AWC_10 Wine Dinner @ South Pacific Hotel
原本想早兩天把這篇內容 post 上 Blog，無奈公司電腦有問題，運作不暢順，抱歉現在才可完成！
***** ***** *****
孖寶老師問 3月6 號有沒有時間，參加新一屆進階班第十班同學的畢業酒宴，說當晚的 wines line up 很好。 一看、果然不錯，自己也很想重溫那些酒的風采，還可與新同學打個招呼，便欣然答應了。
這晚熱鬧非常，竟有 38 人參加，是歷屆以來最踴躍的一次。浩浩蕩蕩，開開心心，不知不覺間已是十二時正，如此便興高采烈地渡過了一個 4 小時有多的晚宴。很高興認識了一班新同學仔、新朋友，希望大家繼續在這令人迷戀的葡萄酒世界中有無數的開心聚會，共享美酒佳餚！
Wine of the Night:
Paolo Scavino Langhe Bianco, Piemonte, Italy 2005
Lively yellow in color. Attractive aromas of ripe fruits with a light floral backdrop. The medium bodied palate is refreshing and dry with a pretty solid finish that lingers on for a bit.
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc + Chardonnay
Michel Gros Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits Blanc, Burgundy, France 2005
Pale yellow color with intense bouquet of ripe mango, pineapple and tropical fruits, laced lightly buttered toasted bread. Balanced palate with great depth of flavors, followed by a solid and lasting finish.
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Torreon de Paredes Special Family Reserve Don Amado, Rengo, Chile 1999
Intense ruby red with black hues. Very complex bouquet, fine aromas of cassis, blackberries, plums and vanilla, intermingled with menthol and spice notes. At the palate is harmonious, warm, smooth, round with delicate mature tannins that give strength and assure a noble bottle with aging potential.
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon + Merlot
Manoir de Gay, Pomerol 2003
Rare 2nd label of Chateau Le Gay
Grape Variety: Merlot
Mauro Molino Barolo Gancia DOCG, Piemonte, Italy 1999
"The 1999 Barolo Gancia is the most important of the group, the darkest in tone, the most intense, penetrating, smoky, and licorice-laden in aroma, the densest and most voluminous on the palate, though the extract possesses the silky sensuality which characterizes La Morra. The leather, tar, wild fennel and tobacco flavors offer admirable complexity as well. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018.”91 Points - Robert Parker
Grape Variety: Nebbiolo
Markus Molitor Wehlener Klosterberg Riesling Eiswein, Germany 2001
This Icewine presents a real fruit salad in his bouquet, very ripe and sweet as well as a certain elegant spiciness, which is very typical for an Icewine. In the mouth there is an overwhelmingly clear taste of fruit (apricot) with beginning creamy caramel notes. Still very young, huge potential.
是夜對兩支酒感到有點失望 ~ Don Amado 1999 & Barolo 1999！
感覺早前試的 Don Amado 98 & 99 來得澎湃、熱情，但這支 99 感覺收歛、柔弱，沒有從前的剛烈，感覺不到那複雜性及辛辣香味！
Barolo 1999 更是令我失望，好像完全沒有睡醒。香氣、果味欠奉，風格全無！等了又等才免為其難給你 say 個 Hello，極之不是狀態，跟從前試過的真有天淵之別！
這就是葡萄酒的奧妙及有趣地方，就算同一製造者、同一年份，也會有很大的 bottle variation，各有各的不同變化。
畢竟，當晚也是一個很開心的晚上！
mw 06-03-2008
Yuen Sir真有心，還記得我喜歡吃三成熟的羊，不需問已幫我預訂了！正！謝謝喔！
人太多了，我部 DC 不可包容全部朋友，抱歉！
2008年3月11日 星期二
香港國際美酒博覽
首辦美酒博覽搞試飲
響應財爺打造紅酒港意念
財政司司長曾俊華早前於新一年度預算案中建議，免收葡萄酒、啤酒等酒稅，以打造香港在亞洲區葡萄酒交易中心的一哥地位；香港貿易發展局隨即響應，將於今年8月「美食博覽」期間舉辦首屆香港國際美酒博覽，屆時不但聚集全球酒商及佳釀，入場公眾更可試飲最暢銷美酒。
每年暑假舉行的美食博覽均吸引巿民前來掃貨兼試食，去年展覽的參觀人數高達31萬人次，今年港人更有機會免費品嚐各地佳釀。
貿發局助理總裁葉澤恩指出，美食博覽以往也有展出酒類產品，而今年的酒類產品將自成一國，成立一個獨立的國際美酒博覽，與美食博覽會同期舉行。他預期美食博覽將為美酒博覽帶來可觀人流，長遠來說目標將本港發展為亞洲區最大的餐酒貿易和分銷中心。
入場券票價未定
美酒博覽於8月14至16日一連三天在灣仔會議展覽中心舉行，首兩天展期純招待業界交流，展期最後一天則會開放予年滿18歲的公眾參觀。貿發局預計將有120至150個來自世界各地及本港的酒類生產商及代理商參展，展品包括酒類產品、器具，及介紹酒類生產過程展覽等等。會場內也設有一個試飲環節，入場公眾將可一嚐市場上最叫座的餐酒。貿發局目前仍未訂定展覽的入場券票價。
在同一場合的香港酒類行業協會聯合主席傅奉文稱，政府公佈減酒稅後，令紅酒價錢下調，港人可以合理價錢品嚐優質紅酒。
免酒稅吸引外商
此外，貿發局去年進行的一項調查報告顯示，亞洲酒類飲品市場於未來五年，每年將有10%至20%高速增長，撇除日本，估計2012年時亞洲區的飲用量，將是目前的兩倍，總值達到1,300億港元。報告指本港存在成為亞洲區最大餐酒貿易和分銷中心的潛力，政府免除酒稅會吸引外商選擇本港作分銷、貯存、轉口及餐酒拍賣平台。
香港國際美酒博覽詳情
地點 ：香港會議展覽中心5號展廳
舉行日期 ：08年8月14至16日，最後一天開放予18歲或以上公眾人士
開放時間 ：早上10時至晚上6時30分
參展商數目：120至150個
展品類別 ：含酒精飲品、酒類生產及物流、酒類產品及器具，另有免費試飲活動
門票 ：票價未定
資料來源 ：香港貿易發展局
同期舉辦 ：美食博覽
舉行日期 ：08年8月14至18日
2008年3月8日 星期六
One Flaw In Women
One Flaw In Women
By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said: "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered: "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
And she is !
Women have strengths that amaze men.
By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.
An angel appeared and said: "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered: "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days."
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, "but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?", asked the angel.
The Lord replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Lord corrected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing."
And she is !
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. and laugh because they are happy.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. 
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or email you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
PLEASE pass this along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
PLEASE pass this along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they are.
Thanks Ru.
2008年3月6日 星期四
Spanish Wine Dinner @ EL Mundo
Details:
Date: 19th March 2008 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: EL MUNDO (Tel: 28382836)
Venue: EL MUNDO (Tel: 28382836)
港灣仔克街9-13號地下
G/F., 9-13 Heard Street, Wanchai, HK.
Cost: HK$ 550 (food + wine* )
*Wine cost ~ already bargained with supplier using zero-tax prices.
Wines of the Night :
Ø Cava Oriol de Vallformosa Brut
Ø Bodegas Arzuaga Fan d'Oro Chardonnay 2006
Ø Bodegas La Planta 2006
Ø Pago Florentino Tinto 2004
Ø Arzuaga Tinto Crianza 2004
Ø Arzuaga Reserva 2004
BODEGAS ARZUAGA NAVARRO
Ribera del Duero, Spain
An undiscovered jewel, located right next to the hugely famous Vega Sicilia vineyard!
Impressive wines at still affordable prices.
Kindly let me know in advance by returned email (with your contact number) if you are able to join us for this evening. The dead-line for your enrolment will be on 12 March 2008.
Cancellation of booking must be raised 7 days prior to the activity date. Members who fail to show up will still be liable to pay their fee since food & wine should be confirmed by that time.
Info of EL Mundo:
http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/mariawan-blog/article?mid=32
http://hk.myblog.yahoo.com/mariawan-blog/article?mid=155
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