CLUBHOUSE | LIQUID ASSETS
ENCHANTING ALSACE WINE EXPERT AND EXPLORER JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX OF THE EXPERIENCE COMPANY JOURNEYS THROUGH THIS FAIRYTALE-LIKE REGION IN EASTERN FRANCE.
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The picture -postcard Alsace village of Hunawihr
estled in the eastern part of France, between the country’s Vosges mountain range and the Black Forest of Germany, the region of Alsace has many a story to tell. Recently, the wineries of Alsace have been featuring the majestic stork in their communication – and not without reason: a symbol of fertility in Alsace, it is the storks that deliver babies to the Alsatian ladies that have laid a few cubes of sugar by the windows of their houses in the hope of conceiving. The long-legged bird flying over houses and vineyards is a promise of a fruitful harvest.
Julien Yung Mameaux
WHITE WINE WONDERS The story of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer begins in Alsace. Germany and Australia also produce delicious variations of these grapes, however it is Alsace which is where it all started. The region counts 53 AOCs (Appellation d’ Origine Controlee) with AOC d’Alsace, AOC d’Alsace Grands Crus, which recognizes the most exceptional terroirs; and AOC Cremant d’Alsace, the jewel in the crown of sparkling wines. Desired by kings for millennia, Alsace has been a battlefield for Celts, Romans and, more recently, the Germans and French. Alsace’s location is not just strategic, it is also perfect for growing other grapes such as Pinot Blanc, Muscat, the very local Sylvaner or the rarer Savagnin grown for Klevener de Heiligenstein wine. The two Alsatian wine heroes are Vendanges Tardives (late harvest) – grapes that are intentionally picked over-ripe, several weeks after the official harvest time, adding flavour intensity to the profile of the grape itself – and Selection de Grains Nobles (selection of noble grapes), which is made only from grapes with noble rot (botrytis cirenea) and which are hand-picked one by one in successive passes. 36
HK GOLFER・JUL 2014
TASTE MARVELS Alsace only reveals itself truly to those who make the journey to this gorgeous reality where myths and legends are witnessed at each mansion, church and mountain. In a thin-shaped region, much like Burgundy, from north to south, the Alsace wine road starts near Strasbourg and stretches to Mulhouse, a mecca for car lovers. Strasbourg, home of the European parliament, is a good place to let your imagination wander with its ancient cathedral and “Little France” canal district, a heaven of wine bars and local eateries. A short ride away is the majestic Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg, full of fairy tales, history and which provides a breathtaking scenic view of Alsace. The fascination continues with a lovely private dinner with the family winery Charles Sparr in the superb village of Riquewihr. Wine lovers will also try Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, which specializes in grand cru and single vineyard wines, Mittnacht Frères, which focuses on strict biodynamic wines, like the Vignoble des 2 Lunes, and indeed Domaine Hugel & Fils, famed for both its Riesling and Gewürztraminer. A journey through Alsace feels like diving into a fairytale book; let your senses be inspired by enchanted forests, curious characters and the quest of an immaculate wine. The grandeur of Alsatian wines is illustrated in the tall-shaped glasses as well as the thin, long bottles, and is not dwarfed by other winegrowing regions. Whether in underground cellars with wine magically popping up from an oval wooden vat, or dining on local gastronomic favourites such as choucroute (a cabbage-based dish), deer or indeed fresh river fish, the legends of Alsace will resurface only if you dare awaken its uncountable sleeping beauties. Win a free bottle of wine by sending your holiday dreams to your travel and events concierge, The Experience Company (www.TheExCo.com) at +852 3488 9565 or Contact@TheExCo.com and quote “HKGolfer”. HKGOLFER.COM