Why sustainable wines are worth pouring over

Hong Kong has always had a taste for great things whether it is great food or great wines. Which is why the city remains as Asia’s largest wine market, after China. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern that climate change poses as a threat to wine production, leading many wine makers to shift to sustainable wine making.

Conventional wine making as we know it today started in the 20th century when it introduced synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, into vineyards to maximize yield. Organic wine, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on growing grapes naturally with organic fertilizers and without the use of chemicals. But neither practices put great importance on waste management. In light of the growing concern of sustainability, many wine makers have made it a point to minimize green house gases produced in wine making by mitigating and reducing unnecessary waste that is produced in the process.

However, sustainable wines are difficult to regulate. Because of the different climates in each wine making region, it becomes difficult to set a global standard for sustainable wine. Although there are various certifications that set a standard for different wine production practices, the certifications are based on contrasting principles. While some certifications regulate holistic practices of wine making, some may regulate only vineyards but not winery facilities. For example, although bio-dynamic wine makers grow their grapes organically, their wines are not necessarily considered organic wines due to the amount of sulfite included in wine ageing. Regardless of the variables, sustainable wine makers are ultimately concerned with water and wildlife conservation, and the use of green facilities and transportation in reducing green house gases and managing waste.

In any way wine is produced, its quality would depend on various factors from the region of where the grapes are grown, soil quality and the complex wine making process of fermentation and ageing. Sustainability adds to the narrative of how the wine was produced, giving consumers a better understanding of the product. What makes wine “good” may differ from the complexity of flavor profiles that wine connoisseurs seek to the ethical practices that was involved in production. Nonetheless, sustainable wine makers add to the market options for businesses and consumers who prefer to adjust to sustainable habits, and as the significance of climate change garners more attention, so will sustainable wine.

Two Moons x Room 309 Presents Limited Edition Craft Gin: Five Flowers Tea Dry Gin

Taking full advantage of the city’s renewed love of all things gin, two of Hong Kong’s leading F&B names, Two Moons and Room 309, have come together to craft a very special limited-edition Five Flowers Tea Dry Gin. If that weren’t enough, they’re also offering three lucky buyers the chance to win a luxurious stay at the boutique hotel, The Pottinger Hong Kong.

Two Moons, Hong Kong’s first gin distillery, and Room 309, an exclusive bar within The Pottinger Hong Kong, come together in a unique partnership to combine the distillery’s award-winning Signature Dry Gin with an ancient remedy, Five Flower Tea, to incorporate a rich cultural heritage into the premium gin. The quality of its production is a reflection of the two brands’ pursuit for artistic elegance and sophistication. The formulation of the 12 selective botanicals in Two Moons’ Signature Dry Gin and the detoxifying Five Flowers Tea fuses into an experience refined for the palette.

The two sought-after brands have also generously offered HK$5,530 worth of exclusive giveaways to three lucky winners upon purchasing the limited herbal flavor-inspired spirit with a chance to win a premium experience of a lifetime at The Pottinger Hong Kong. The prizes included:

Grand Prize: A one-night staycation for two at The Pottinger Hong Kong, inclusive of an in-room service of two cocktails and snacks with compliments by ROOM 309 (worth HK$3,000)

2nd Prize: A private distillery tour for two at Two Moons Distillery in Chai Wan (worth HK$2,000)

3rd Prize: A 700ml bottle of Two Moon’s Signature Dry Gin (worth HK$530)

Champagne Staycation: Live it up with Veuve Clicquot at W Hong Kong

There’s really nothing quite like sipping on some champagne while watching the sunset and breathtaking panoramas of Victoria Harbour to change your mindset and rise above the humdrum of everyday life. This, it seems, is the premise for luxury hotel W Hong Kong‘s new “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” staycation offer.

Indeed the East Tsim Sha Tsui-set five-star destination seems to be taking every advantage of its central location and stunning vistas to attract the city’s weekend-vacationers, all sweetened, of course, with the offer of some deluxe bubbly courtesy of renowned champagne maison Veuve Clicquot. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is your run-of-the-mill staycation.

To start, you get a one-night stay in a sumptuously appointed 1,300sq.ft WOW suite, where you can immediately kick off the relaxation and take in the views with welcome canapés and a glass of bubbly. In a thoughtful gesture, W Hong Kong has seen fit to equip the room with some Veuve Clicquot touches, to the room, just in case you forget why you’re there. If that weren’t enough, after you’ve settled in and explored everything the capacious suite has to offer, a knock on the door at sunset signals the next stage of your stay – an entire bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé to enjoy at your leisure.

Perhaps the main attraction of the “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” package, though, is the one-hour private champagne tasting session with your own personal Veuve Clicquot brand ambassador. Here you can sample a wide variety of the brand’s top sellers, with the highlights undoubtedly being the delicious Vintage 2008 and the extraordinary La Grande Dame 2008. Thought-provoking, educational and wholly enjoyable – thanks in no small part to the glasses of bubbly to partake in – this is truly a unique and personalised experience, one that includes some HK$3,000 worth of the golden tipple.

Finally, after an evening of luxurious, champagne-filled extravagance, a final gift will be awaiting you upon check-out, ending the experience on a truly high note. So if you’re eyeing a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to a fantastic getaway experience, perhaps the “Live it up with Veuve Clicquot” staycation is just the ticket. Available until 30th September, just enter the promo code “NCL” when booking through the W Hong Kong website. You can also call +852 3717 2000 or email wreservations.hk@whotels.com.

Johnnie Walker shares the joy of DIY mixology with exclusive Black Label Highball tutorials

The iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label has long been lauded as the benchmark for blended whisky-making. In truth, this comes as no surprise, particularly when you consider that its unmistakable smoothness and complexity have been skilfully derived by co-opting only the best whiskies from distilleries across Scotland and aging them for at least 12 years, all under the guidance of its master blenders. These factors have made the Black Label a particular favourite of discerning drinkers and bartenders the world over.

While many choose to enjoy the tipple in its simpler forms – neat, on the rocks, with a spritz of water – others may appreciate a more complex concoction. To that end, Johnnie Walker has partnered with five of Hong Kong’s most well-loved bartenders to create five exclusive Black Label Highball cocktails that you can enjoy from the comforts of your own home.

While the classic Highball – traditionally including a whisky, some ice, a garnish and a mixer – has been a staple on many bar menus, these unique recipes will bring that added sophistication to your at-home imbibement. Take, for instance, Irre-zest-ible, created by Quinary’s Shelley Tai, which blends the Black Label with light citrusy notes with the addition of an Asian twist in its dried plums. Then there’s Summer Isles, the tropical interpretation from Bar 001’s Henry Ho that enhances the whisky’s inherent flavours with a zing of pink pepper, mellowed by refreshing notes of passion fruit and yuzu jam.

To help enhance your home mixology experience, the online tutorial videos for these Johnnie Walker Black Label Highball cocktails and their recipes can be easily accessed online at https://www.mhdhk.com/en/JohnnieWalkerBlackLabelHighball.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label: The iconic tipple makes for the perfect Father’s Day gift

It’s no secret that Johnnie Walker Blue Label enjoys a reputation for being among the most illustrious, delicious and rarefied blended whiskies in the world. In fact, so elusive are the qualities required to produce this Scottish whisky’s signature flavours that just one in every ten thousand casks make the cut.

This attention to detail is more than apparent, with every sip revealing a wonderfully nuanced palate dotted with ephemeral notes of vanilla, honey, rose petals, dark chocolate, zesty orange and much more besides. If your father is an aficionado of fine whiskies, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label makes just about the perfect gift to show your appreciation for dad this Father’s Day.

To add an enhanced dimension to your present, Johnnie Walker is even offering a special complementary personalisation engraving service for Blue Label bottles purchased at selected retailers including APITA, Rare & Fine Wines, Wai Shing Wine & Spirits and Watson’s Wine. What better way to say ‘thank you’ than by offering the special man in your life a truly unique, extraordinary whisky?

Exclusive, alluring and aromatic, Bowmore is perfect for the whisky-loving dad

It’s no secret that Scotland boasts more than its fair share of world-class whisky distilleries. In fact, this relatively small region boasts some 120 active producers across five distinct districts. Among them, the picturesque isle of Islay – just 25 miles long – remains one of the most best-loved for the smoky, peaty flavours its whiskies produce.

This is the home of Bowmore, the world-renowned distillery that opened its doors in 1779 and stands as the world’s oldest Scotch whisky maturation warehouse. Over its nearly 240-year history, Bowmore has built an unassailable reputation for creating drinks that perfectly balance Islay’s iconic smoky-peatiness with notes of exotic fruit.

These unique palate-pleasing flavours are the culmination of a recipe that includes just three ingredients: barley grown and malted on Islay itself, painstakingly cultivated yeast and water taken right from the nearby, pristine River Laggan. All are lovingly fermented in the finest oak casks under the careful eye of Bowmore’s master distillers.

So, when drinking a Bowmore single malt, what you get isn’t just a perfectly-crafted tipple – it’s an embodiment of the love, skill and knowledge of the distiller’s experts; it’s experiencing the rich history and culture of Islay; it’s the pride of knowing you’re drinking some of the best that Scotland has to offer. And that is exactly why Bowmore Scotch whiskies make the perfect gift for whisky-loving dads this Father’s Day.

Please contact Jebsen Fine Wines for more info.
Simon Gilligan: simongilligan@jebsen.com

All-Ace Alsace: France’s lesser-known region produces winning wines of every kind

When handed a wine list at a suitably fine-dining establishment, chances are you’ll immediately check out the French Bordeauxs and Burgundies or, just possibly, look for an Aussie Shiraz or an Italian Barolo. There’s one Francophile region, however, that few tend to home in on – Alsace.

Although something of a newcomer to the wider wine world, the French have enjoyed a long love affair with the region’s output. In particular, Crémant d’Alsace has established itself as the country’s second favorite sparkling wine, outperformed only by the mighty Champagne. Meanwhile, its sundry other grape varietals have been frequently lauded by industry insiders for their elegance, flavour and value for money.

Set in the northeast of modern-day France, ownership of Alsace has shifted back and forth between its current compatriots and the Germans for nearly 300 years, with only the outcome of World War II seemingly deciding the matter. This storied legacy is apparent throughout the region, reflected in its traditions, its architecture and, of course, in its wines. Most notably, this has seen German Rieslings and Gewurztraminer planted alongside the more expected French Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs.

Alsace’s optimum wine-growing zone actually lies to the south of Strasbourg, the regional capital. Nestled in the balmy bosom of the picturesque Vosges mountains, its vineyards are protected from the worst weather conditions. If you then add in the perpetually generous sunlight it enjoys, it should really be no surprise that it delivers grapes of exceptional ripeness, ones that seem to effortlessly balance texture, flavour and acidity.

While the territory’s most famous red wine is undoubtedly the Pinot Noir, it is in fact Alsace’s whites that dominate, accounting for some 90 percent of overall production, split between Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Unlike the bulk of the French wine-making community, vintners here famously like to keep things simple. Accordingly, there are just two appellations – Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru, with the latter consisting of some 51 vineyards. It’s also notable that they’ve followed the New World trend of labelling by grape varietal, making purchasing these wines reassuringly straightforward.

Overall, it’s fair to say that the white varietals produced in Alsace, especially in recent years, have really come to the fore, making them perfect for food-pairing, regardless of whether you’re favouring traditional French fare or even Indian or Chinese cuisine. With each grape boasting its own unique flavour profile, selecting a bottle for your meal is simplicity itself – as long as you know what to look out for, of course.

Text: Tenzing Thondup

The Louis XIII: Shaping the face of cognac for over 140 years

For over 140 years now, the house of Louis XIII has delighted discerning drinkers with ever-greater expressions of some of the world’s finest cognacs. Throughout this storied legacy, there has been one continuous centrepiece that has tied it all together – the Louis XIII Classic. Introduced right as the French maison was founded in 1874, the Louis XIII Classic has housed some of the most iconic iterations of the Louis XIII Collection, ranging from La Miniature to the Louis XIII Magnum.

With each crystal gem being handcrafted by the finest crystal houses in France, every Louis XIII Classic is individually numbered, a personal invitation to share in the exclusivity of the Louis XIII experience. As Global Executive Director Ludovic du Plessis explains: “With each decanter taking generations of Cellar Masters to create, crafting Louis XIII is like building a cathedral: each perspective offers a different approach to the masterpiece.”

Encompassing a symphony of aromas and offering a veritable treasure trove of notes such as roses, honeysuckle and preserved plum on the palate, it’s small wonder, then, that Louis XIII Classic is the perfect celebratory toast to Chinese New Year and, makes just the right gift for that remarkable cognac-lover in your life.

For any purchase or enquiries, please contact Calvin Chen: Calvin.Chen@LOUISXIII-COGNAC.com.

The Macallan 72 Years Old Set for Spirited Hong Kong Debut

The Macallan 72 Years Old, one of the finest scotches on offer from The Macallan, that most renowned of single malt whisky brands, is soon to land in Hong Kong as the distiller celebrates its epic legacy and enduring impact.

Limited to a release of just 600 bottles on a global basis, each one comes housed in an exquisite Genesis decanter, specially designed by Lalique, that most classic of French crystal creative houses. With a design said to embody the ultimate fusion of contemporary chic and time-honoured tradition, each glass repository is a clear testimony to the brand’s commitment to flawless craftsmanship.

Assessing the import of their singular partnership, Geoff Kirk, the Macallan’s Head of Brand Development, said: “Lalique has a deep and true understanding of our brand, one imbued over more than a decade of joint endeavours.”

Commenting on the significance of this particular launch, meanwhile, Nick Savage, The Macallan’s Master Distiller said, “The Macallan 72 Years Old is an incredibly rare single malt and one defined by years of dedication and craftsmanship. The oldest whisky we have ever bottled, this is a truly momentous occasion and a fitting celebration of our remarkable new distillery.”

To find out more about The Macallan 72 Years Old and its underlying flavour tones of lemons, apples, raisins and vanilla, click here.

LUNAR CELEBRATIONS

With the Rat, the first sign of the 12 Chinese zodiac creatures, about to ascend to astrological supremacy in 2020, Johnnie Walker, the renowned maker of fine whiskies, has chosen to celebrate this grand occasion by unveiling a very special Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition.

Crafted to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Asia and the lasting legacy of the ancient zodiac traditions, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition comes housed in a dazzlingly decorated bottle, one that the emblematic Rat take place of pride atop a wave of golden ingots. Within this precious receptacle is that most cherished of whiskies, the sumptuously flavourful Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label stands at the apex of Scotch whisky-making. Crafted by a small team of expert blenders including two-time Master Blender of the Year Jim Beveridge, only one in every 10,000 casks of the distillery’s 10 million plus whiskies are deemed worthy of this coveted title, which represents smooth and vibrant Scotch whisky at its very finest.

With the Rat long heralded as ushering in good fortune, luck and vitality, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition makes the most auspicious of gifts to that special whisky lover in your life.