Category Archives: HOT NEWS

CHATEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIERE AT PALAIS DE TOKYO

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Château Malartic-lagravière, which accompanies the exhibition “Royal Oak 40 years” since it opened in New York in March 2012, presented its wine to 700 guests at the Opening night of june 5th at the Palais de Tokyo!

After New York and Milano, where the  event dedicated to 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak,  Audemars Piguet’s emblematic watch, took place, the exhibition moved to Paris for a few days.

The Palais de Tokyo, which was expanded and renovated, reopened its doors in April 2012. It is in this beautiful place, dedicated to art and design, that Audemars Piguet received his guests. Among them, singer Anggun, actors Omar Sy and Lambert Wilson, actresses Julie Gayet, Cecile Cassel, Clotilde Courau, Elisa Tovati and Virginie Ledoyen, but also singers Marc Lavoine and Patrick Bruel. All enjoyed the musical performance of Woodkid and the wines of Château Malartic Lagravière.

At each stage of the exhibition, the wines of Château Malartic-Lagravière, were served with the dishes designed by each chef at the exclusive gala dinners organized around the exhibition. In Paris, there was a gourmet initiary. The wine in magnum  made the buzz: the Malartic 2007 reserve red, the Malartic-Lagravière Grand Cru Classé de Graves White2007 and the still fabulous Malartic-Lagravière red 2002 …

Malartic-Lagravière: one of the top wines of Pessac-Leognan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.malartic-lagraviere.com/

A WONDERFUL EVENT OF CHATEAU CASTIGNO

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Château Castigno from  Assignans in the Aude(France)  organized around Brussels a great event for their customers and friends in Belgium. Mr. & Mrs. Verstraete and their daughter, An-Sophie have invited their clients to a superb winemakers’meal  preceded by a great tasting and explanation of their wines.

Their range of wines made from grape varieties typical of southern France (Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache, Syrah, Clairette …) is very extensive, ranging from sparkling wine to sweet wine.

We particularly liked:

* Grâce des  Anges, White, 2011. The nose exhales a very strong strong flavour. Its mouth is powerful and bold notes give this wine an unusual strength

* Grâce des Anges rose, 2011. A highly developed nose of white peach. On the palate, a good acidity gives this pleasant rosé structure and a nice attack. The persistence of this wine is exceptional.

* Merlot. This is the only single-varietal wine of Chateau Castigno. Its nose is very beautiful. It has all the characteristics of a good merlot from Bordeaux with the southern side of Languedoc wines. A lovely wine!

* Secret des dieux. A red wine made from syrah / carignan / grenache / mourvedre. This wine is typical of the powerful sun of Languedoc. Very expressive nose and hints of garrigue, spices and dried black olives. What a powerful wine& .

All the wines of Chateau Castigno are remarkable and we have liked all of them … The family Verstraete took this opportunity to present its rehabilitation plan for the wonderful village of Assignans. A small forgotten village which will now be revitalized through the purchase of village houses which  have been transformed into luxury holiday cottages for friends and the olvers of the wines of Chateau Castigno. This beautiful project involved an entire region and funds from the Languedoc-Roussillon region have helped the family to extend the dream of making wine to a beautiful resort of wine tourism ! We had a tremendously nice  day and their  public-relations event  was impeccable. Bravo to family Verstraete. !

video: henry BORZI, Editor in chief VINEYARDS PAPER

http://www.chateaucastigno.com/en/news

A FANTASTIC MONTH FOR BODEGA RAFFY

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This month has been truly historic for Bodega Raffy, an argentinian winery led by a frenchman.

After an exciting (yet tough!) year of transition from Market Finance to the Wine Industry, the founder of Bodega Raffy finally stepped out of the shadows, thanks to several successful awards at international wine competitions.
More specifically: out of 14,000 participating wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Bodega Raffy came in the Top 120 wines globally, with its Malbec Réserve 2010, winning a Regional Trophy, ie. above Gold Medal status: “Best Argentinian Malbec over £10”. And this is our first-ever vintage!
A tremendous achievement, given that this bodega came ahead of 99.2% of the participants so far. The wines of bodega Raffy  will be taken around the world with other Trophy winners, to be tasted by wine professionals and consumers in 30 different cities worldwide. Bodega Raffy  also remains in the race to win an International Trophy awarded to only 26 wines in the competition. These awards will be announced by Steven Spurrier at Royal Opera House in London on 5th September 2012… Fingers crossed for this lovely zine estate.

THE CAPITAL OF BRAZILIAN WINES

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THE CAPITAL OF BRASILIAN WINES

Brazil is an unknown wine country with its wine region on the borders with Argentina. It will become one of the most exciting wine countries in the world.

This city in the heart of Brazil’s wine country is Brazil’s wine capital. Bento Goncalves is a quiet city. In this city, they make furniture

Wine regions have much in common with each other. There are ‘poster signs’ in the form of a bunch of grapes indicating the wine routes, as well as those listing the names of wineries with arrows pointing to their direction. Large area maps featuring specific winery locations are also common and tastefully presented.

Here people breathe, eat, sleep and live wine. On any given day it is hard not to come across locals visiting their wineries. The many restaurants also feature local wines, displaying the signs of some of the 30 or more wineries whose wine they patronize.

Most of the Vale dos Vinhedos belongs to Bento Goncalves. However, two other cities, Garibaldi and Monte Belo do Sul, also lay claim to part of it. The Vale dos Vinhedos is currently the only approved ‘Wine Appellation’ in Brazil, however one more, Pinto Bandeira, is also hoping to have this ‘quality assurance and regulation’ as part of its makeup.

The wines of this area range from jug wines made from Niagara, Isabella and other Labrusca grapes such as those that can be purchased from an excellent winery called Strapazzon, to the very fine vinifera wines of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Muscat, Alicante Bouchet, Touriga Nacional and many more.

If there is one grape that grows best so far in this area, first prize would have to be given to the Merlot. As Malbec grows well in Argentina and Cabernet Sauvignon seems to be the grape of Chile, Merlot is establishing itself as the prime grape of this region.

The wine produced by many of the wineries seems to have a particular old world freshness and leanness. It offers strength without sacrificing elegance and offers fruit that melds with other nuances of spice, chocolate, cassis and flowers. Most winemakers describe their Merlot as being the child of both new and old worlds. The wineries range in size from the large Miolo to the smaller Pizzato and Lidio Carrero. They share two traits however — passion and excellence.

Like other wine areas, Bento Goncalves offers other products besides wine. There is, of course, the majestic scenery as well as food products such as cheese (sheep cheese is amazing), beef, pork, poultry, clothing and vegetables. There are also some superb hotels such as the Five Star Marriott Hotel and Spa Do Vinho and the Villa Michelon.

It is very apparent that this region will soon have a place amongst the great wine regions of the world.

http://www.winesofbrasil.com

BISOL PROSECCO CONQUERS THE BRIC COUNTRIES

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From 2009 to today, Bisol have recorded an extraordinary increase in exports towards the BRIC countries: in Brazil, Russia, India and China, sales of Prosecco have in fact grown by 650%.

Bisol products, which ended the year 2011 with a turnover of 13 million Euro, equally distributed between Italy, Europe and the rest of the world and being exported to 56 countries, are distributed exclusively through the HoReCa channel and occupy a highly specialised corner of the market: “2012 is off to a great start with the first three months confirming the growth trend: connoisseurs who taste a glass of Bisol are in search of a certain type of quality and culture that reflects its home territory” comments Gianluca Bisol, general manager and member of the time-honoured Cartizze family.

 

Brazil, with growth figures of more than 300% in 3 years, makes up 20% of exports towards the BRIC area. As the export manager Roberto Actis explains, “Italian wine in Brazil costs 300% more than the equivalent in the USA and the high taxation levels for exporting wine from Italy must also be taken into account”. Cru Cartizze Bisol is served in the elegant Mr Lam restaurant in Rio de Janeiro which is owned by Elike Batista one of the ten richest men in the world. In San Paolo noSO2 can be tasted at Mani, famous for its “natural cuisine”, graced by the renowned chef Helena Rizzo and voted by the British publication ‘Restaurant Magazine’ amongst the top 100 restaurants in the world.

Italian wine in China is still something of a niche product but Prosecco is already becoming appreciated in the metropolises and above all in luxurious establishments. China, with growth figures of 130% in 3 years,  makes up 25% of Bisol exports towards the BRIC area. In Peking, Bisol wines are served in top quality restaurants such as LM Plus and Fairmont.

For Bisol Russia takes up more than 65% of the increase and more than 55% of exports towards the Bric countries. “Russia is a historically interesting market for sparkling wines from everywhere in the world. Today, in Russia, Italian sparkling wines occupy first place for the consumption of foreign sparkling wines. Obviously, Prosecco is one of the most sought after wines in the bubbles market” explains Christina Arutyunova, Business Development Director East Countries. Bisol, Jeio and BelStar can be found in the best establishments from Moscow to Siberia. “Moscow is certainly the largest and most competitive market. Thanks to the collaboration with MBGroup, one of the most influential import companies, Bisol wines are currently being served in the Sindikat chain, one of the largest and richest in Russia, in the restaurants of the BOSCO group, including the luxury GUM store in Red Square, in the Novikov chain, BOLSHOY restaurant and MACHO GRILL and in important hotels such as Swissotel and Marriott Grand Hotel”. For class events Russian Vip clients choose Bisol wines selecting them for example to accompany cultural, political and finance meetings such as “Forum Russia”, the most important appointment in the world of Russian finance.

“Prosecco Bisol – so chic and easy – has once again confirmed itself as a Lifestyle Symbol of international success” comments Gianluca Bisol “it is well liked in all corners of the market and thanks to its delicacy and its subtle bouquet it pairs perfectly with Asian and exotic cuisine: it is also so versatile that it is chosen as the ideal drink for toasting at any moment during the day and it accompanies all dishes from the aperitif to dessert”.

KARL LAGERFELD: A FANTASTIC STORY WITH HOTEL METROPOLE MONTE-CARLO

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Karl Lagerfeld special guest at  the hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo called to reinterpret the outdoor inspiring to the epical travel of Ulysse.

The famous fashion designer was invited by the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo to reinterpret its outdoor spaces including the pool, terrace, gardens as well as his restaurant.

The Hotel Métropole, located near the Provence wine valley, Monte-Carlo named “Best Hotel in the World 2010″ opened in 2004,  has been decorated by the interior designer Jacques Garcia  who created a “palace of the 21st century”, a contemporary and stylish hotel combines glorious past and a fresh Mediterranean.

The new true work of art created by Karl Lagerfeld for the hotel includes an impressive glass screen illustrating the voyage of Ulysse, will be part of the new place. This photographic mural composed of 15 panels was designed and built by Karl Lagerfeld exclusively for the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo.

The guests can now discover the new universe decoration designed by Karl Lagerfeld, and a new universe flavor signed by Joel Robuchon, a two Michelin stars chef, who then added a third restaurant to his name in the hotel. A dream tandem to this palace, real symbol of luxury and elegance of the 21st century.

The hotel also proposes his “Lobby Bar” to local and  International customers, the most sparkling place of the Principality and the restaurant of the new pool –which will be opened soon-, haven of peace in the heart of the Golden Square.

The Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo, joined shortly after its opening in 2006 the very closed circle of ”Leading Spas of the World” and offers a range of treatments combining modern and ancient therapies from around the world for the greater well-being of the face and body. The impressive large architectural project signed by Karl Lagerfeld will be launched in summer 2012.

PLANTING RIGHTS: AN ITALIAN MEP WANTS TO PROTECT ITALIAN AUTHENTICITY

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The issue of planting rights was discussed Monday night at a special symposiumat the European Parliament, led by Ms Astrid Lulling MEP (EPP, Lu).

In Italy, MEP Giancarlo Scotta (EFD, I) advocates the voice of the vineyardswhich are against the projects of liberalization of the Commission. He considers that liberalization of planting rights is a threat to the authenticity of Italian wines and he fears a relocation of production to regions with more favorable social conditions and less costs of production..

The MEP also focuses on the role of the Commission to effectively control designations of origin and fight against counterfeits.

Giancarlo Scotta MEP (EFD, I)

BRUNELLO 2011: A FOUR STARS VINTAGE

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Montalcino, 25th February 2012 – The early harvest was rewarded with four stars for Brunello di Montalcino2011. These were assigned by the jury of experts and producers that this morning, on the occasion of the Benvenuto Brunello, announced publicly their evaluation of the quality of the harvest. The decision to pick the grapes 15 days in advance balanced the effects of the heat wave that struck the Tuscan territory last summer, making the  year 2011 another high-level vintage. Now we shall have to wait the regulation 5 years  (6 for Riserva) before tasting the Brunello 2011 and having a confirmation of the excellence and high quality of this wine that, potentially, a 4 star harvest provides for. The rest will be guaranteed by the ability of each producer.

Mean time the international 2012 preview continues with the other  usual events of Benvenuto Brunello: today the  affixing of the commemorative plaque and the assignation of the Leccio d’Oro prizes.

An artist design for the 2011 harvest plaque affixed, following the tradition, to the outside wall of the Montalcino’s Palazzo Pubblico: the image was created this year by the stylists of “Salvatore Ferragamo”, griffe of the internationally renowned fashion house. The same design has been reproduced on T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale at the event. The proceeds of their sale will be used entirely to finance the acquisition of a new ambulance for the Confraternita della Misericordia of Montalcino. The plaque represents an original floral composition in which the vine leaves,  stems and bunches of grapes are the background of a glass and a bottle of wine, that take the shape of delicate white and pink flowers. Giovanna Gentile Ferragamo, Salvatore’s daughter, presented the design of the plaque which was reproduced on the T-shirts sold for the purchase of an ambulance donated to the Confraternita della Misericordia di Montalcino.

The “Brunello calendar” that can be admired in the historic centre of Montalcino, is a veritable art gallery with works by artists such as Sandro Chia and Oliviero Toscani, fashion stylists such as

Roberto Cavalli and Ottavio Missoni, cartoonists such as Emilio Giannelli or sport champions such as Deborah Compagnoni.

The recipients of the Leccio d’Oro this year were GAIA RESTAURANT of Hong Kong for the restaurant sector, the BIONDIVINO WINE BOUTIQUE of San Francisco (USA) for the wine shop sector and the ANTICA TRATTORIA SUBAN of Trieste for the bistrot sector.

The Gaia Restaurant (www.gaiagroup.com), one of the best Italian restaurants of Hong Kong, was the first place to be opened by the “Gaia Group” that started in 2000 and spread rapidly throughout China with the opening of several other restaurants and bars. Gaia Restaurant of Hong Kong is managed by Pino Piano: Neapolitan by birth, Piano has travelled all over the world, moving from London to New York until he landed in Hong Kong. The wine lists contain more than 600 bottles, between Italian and French labels.

The Biondivino wine shop (www.biondivino.com) of Ceri Smith was founded in 2006 and is mainly specialized in Italian wines. This exclusive “Italian wine boutique” of San Francisco comprises in its wine list something like 490 wines of twenty different Italian regions of which 150 have a shelf cost of under twenty dollars.

The Antica Trattoria Suban (www.suban.it) of Trieste was born back in 1865 and since then four generations of restorateurs  have done their best to carry on the gastronomic tradition born of the fusion of different people, religions, habits and customs. The trattoria was opened and to this day still stands in the Rione di San Giovanni, a stipover area and a passage for the traffic between the Carsica Plane and Trieste. Today the  trattoria is managed by Federica Suban.

The jury that chose the candidates is composed as usual by the President of the Consorzio  Ezio Rivella and the members of the Committee of the Presidency Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Marco Cortonesi, Giancarlo Pacenti and Fabrizio Bindocci, and of experts Allan Bay, renowned journalist in the food and wine sector and Corriere della Sera writer of the “Vivi Milano” column; food and wine writer of food books for the US market Faith Willinger; President of the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS) Antonello Maietta and President of Gruppo del Gusto  of the Foreign Press in Italy Alfredo Tesio.

Henry BORZI

Montalcino, Toscana

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