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VINO IN UNESCO JULIEN YUNG MAMEAUX, WINE EXPERT AND CEO OF THE EXPERIENCE COMPANY, TAKES US TO SEVEN WINE WONDERS THAT ARE ALSO UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE WINE SITES. DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL This may well be the most rewarding destination on any visit to Portugal. At the Western edge of Europe lies the breathtaking scenery of the Douro Valley, just by the country's second largest city, Porto. Mountains of granite sculpted in terraces have been hosting black grape vines for 2,000 years. A boat cruise on the river will take you to quintas (estates) where authentic port wine is made. Seize the chance to collect the praised 2011 vintage of Romaneira LBV or a 40-year old Tawny. TOKAJ, HUNGARY At the heart of central Europe lies the pretty and historic Hungarian capital city of Budapest, and not far from it, the authentic, historical vineyards of Tokaj. At the confluence of two rivers in the foothills of mountains, wine has been made here since as early as the 12th century. Known for its famous Tokaji Aszú wines, a trip there takes the traveller back to ancient times and networks of deep wine cellars where the sweet elixir of tsars was kept. Indulge with Oremus Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2002. CINQUE TERRE, ITALY Lying half-way between Florence and Milan, this remote set of five villages (literally meaning “five lands”) constitutes exceptional scenery where human and nature have been living in harmony since the Middle Ages. Each village sits by the sea on the Liguria Coast with stunning hills in the background, and indigenous grape vines (Bosco, Albarola, Vermentino) planted on the steep slopes. The delicate, dry white wines – Bisson 2011, for example – are an excellent match for the local seafood. LAVAUX, SWITZERLAND A spectacular side-trip from either Geneva and Lausanne, the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, overlooking stunning Lake Geneva, were first created by monks – and later by the winegrowing families of princes – who have been lovingly tending their grapes for centuries. The breathtaking beauty of Lavaux is a pleasure for the soul and has attracted a great number of artists who came to live in these small picturesque villages. Try Ponnaz & Fils Calamin Grand Cru 2013 or Luc Massy Dezalay Chemin de Fer Grand Cru 2011. RHINE VALLEY, GERMANY Near Frankfurt and Koblenz, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a picturesque 65km stretch filled with castles, historic towns and vineyards, is part of the UNESCO list. The dramatic aspect of the area and the refinement of its wines has exerted powerful influence on 19th century poets such as Clemens Brentano and composer Richard Wagner. Your inspiration: Eva Fricke Lorcher Riesling QBA 2013. 34
HK GOLFER・NOV 2014
Lavaux, Switzerland
SAINT-EMILION, FRANCE Little needs to be said about the most famous Right Bank region of Bordeaux, except perhaps for its unique location on the religious pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostelle and that its 12th century designation as “jurisdiction” meant that the area would be entirely dedicated to wine growing. A mecca for wine lovers and travellers alike, it can be appreciated with one of the best red wine vintages of the 1990s: Chateau Bellefont-Belcier 1998. WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA Last but not least, the magical holiday destination on this list, the Austrian valley by the gorgeous and lyrical Danube river is host to rich architecture (monasteries, castles, ruins), urban design (towns and villages), and a plethora of terraced vineyards of most Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Culture can be felt in the white Pradikat Loiser Berg Auslese DAC 2004 or the red Dechant Blauburgunder 2008. To visit these destinations and many others, book your holiday with The Experience Company (www.TheExCo.com) at +852 3488 9565 or Contact@TheExCo.com. 10% offer for “HKGolfer” readers for any trip taking place by 30 June 2015. Consult us also if you wish to acquire the wines listed in the article. HKGOLFER.COM