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<p>Perhaps a little surprisingly given its far-flung New World location, Chile has a long history of making wine. Production dates from the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, while further developments in the mid-19th century saw the introduction of French wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carménère and Cabernet Franc.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fantastic fourth</h3>



<p>The 1980s saw a growth in the industry with improved fermentation techniques and the South American country is now firmly established on the winemaking map, with recent figures placing it as the world’s fourth-largest exporter of wine. Falling between the latitudes of 32°S and 38°S, the vineyards of Chile have been defined into several distinct regions since December 1994. Coquimbo in the north and the Central Valley areas of Maipo, Cachapoal and Colchagua are considered among the best.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-1024x512.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77799" width="768" height="384" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-560x280.jpg 560w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-200x100.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p-800x400.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chilean-Winery_p.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Limarí Valley, a sub-region of Coquimbo, is one of Bernice Liu’s favourite wine regions. The Hong Kong actress, winemaker and Wine Maven platform entrepreneur (winemaven.io) clearly adores the quality of the viticulture emanating from the area. “This region is a pretty cool place for wines,” she enthuses. “It is where my Chardonnay comes from!” She makes Lunoria and Vartiere Chardonnay in collaboration with Pagnel winery.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chardonnay hooray</h3>



<p>The main wines produced in the region are Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Liu believes the location has some distinct advantages for certain wines, stating: “Limarí Valley is one of the most prized areas for Chardonnay in Chile, with great soil and climate conditions. With it having a sea-to-soil likeness, fresher whites are able to be produced here.”</p>



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<p>She cites Concha y Toro winery as an example of a famous producer of lovely white wines in the valley.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Roots and routes</h3>



<p>Chile also has historical advantages that have cemented its winemaking tradition. As Liu points out, it was not affected by the phylloxera louse. Feeding on the roots and leaves of grapevines, these insects destroyed much of the wines worldwide in the late 19th century.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mineral shine</h3>



<p>There is good minerality in a soil that tends to be made of clay, silt and chalk in Limarí Valley. Due to a relatively moderate amount of rainfall, the vines on these mineral-rich soils are fed with drip irrigation, and this combination creates fresh wines with a notable mineral edge, a quality noted by Liu when describing her favourite wine from the region.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77802" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Red-Grapes-Hanging-p_clip-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“Naturally, my Lunoria and Vartiere Chardonnays are my favourites,” she says. “I love medium-bodied whites, with good natural acidity. With moderate amounts of clay soil, minerality shines through, and makes them a great food pairing wine, especially with Asian cuisine and the varied flavours from dish to dish.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aromatic show</h3>



<p>“The aromas and taste of these wines have hints of floral, vanilla, ripe stoned fruit and a bit of oak to ease the acidity. Minerality from the clay soil is also present,” she adds, again referring to the mineral edge in the wines of this region.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-77804" width="768" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/win3-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>“The best part is that though they are served cold, the glass can be left to stand and the aromatics really start to show.”</p>


Cool Chilean: Saluting the bright, mineral South American west coast whites born in mineral-rich soils


<p>Bordeaux is considered a benchmark in the world of fine wine. Located in southwest France, the region is known for its exceptional terroir that is home to more than 7,000 wine-producing châteaux. Talented winemakers craft compelling wines within the red, white and sweet categories.</p>



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<p>Michelle Chan, Christie’s Head of Wine in Asia Pacific, identifies Bordeaux’s unique geographical location situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary and its diversity of soils as key factors behind its acclaimed output. She adds that the region’s long history of winemaking expertise has resulted in the development of specific winemaking techniques, such as blending multiple grape varieties to create complex and balanced wines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Divide and conquer</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="384" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77134" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb-560x280.jpg 560w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Saint-Emilion_Vineyards_p_rgb-200x100.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Bordeaux is positioned at the centre of the confluence of the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, which flow into the Gironde, and Chan stresses that understanding the difference between the ‘Left Bank’ and ‘Right Bank’ of Bordeaux is essential in grasping the region’s varied wine offerings. The area to the west, on the left bank of the Garonne, and between the Garonne and the Dordogne, “is famous for its powerful and structured red wines, predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Notable appellations include Médoc, Graves and Pessac-Léognan. These wines are full-bodied with firm tannins, ideal for long-term ageing,” she says.</p>


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<p>East of the Dordogne is the Right Bank “renowned for its Merlot-based blends, which are typically more approachable and supple when young. The most prominent appellations are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, producing rich, opulent wines with velvety tannins and exceptional balance.”</p>



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<p>Chan also notes that the region produces outstanding white wines and is hailed for its sweet wines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pick of the best</h3>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="768" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb.jpg" alt="bordeaux wine" class="wp-image-77135" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Wine_04_p_rgb-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Such is the quality of wines the region has to offer, Chan finds it difficult to choose a favourite.</p>



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<p>First on her list is Château Latour à Pomerol 1961. “This opulent and refined Merlot-based wine from Pomerol has enticing aromas of black cherries, truffles and hints of tobacco. The palate displays a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and flavours of ripe dark fruits, earth and sweet spices.”</p>



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<p>Next is Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 of which she says: “This iconic vintage features a complex and captivating bouquet of cassis, pencil shavings and cedarwood. The rich and full-bodied palate showcases layers of dark fruit, leather and tobacco, complemented by a firm tannic structure and exceptional balance.”</p>


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<p>She also adores large-format Bordeaux wines and highlights the magnums of Le Pin 1982 – expressions of lush, seductive character and incredible depth – auctioned by Christie’s in Hong Kong in May. For sweet wines, she plumps for Château d’Yquem 1967. “This golden-hued sweet wine, made from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes, has an incredibly complex nose with aromas of honey, apricots, candied orange peel and botrytis spice.”</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Collectors’ tips</h3>



<p>For those beginning a Bordeaux wine collection, Chan stresses it is essential to educate oneself on the various appellations, châteaux and vintages. Her recommended vintages are 1945, 1947, 1949, 1959, 1961, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2015.</p>



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<p>Also Read: <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/best-food-and-wine-pairings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Best Food and Wine Pairings: Which wine goes well with which dish?</a></p>


Vine Glorious: Bordeaux producers bank Left and Right on their ability to craft complex collectable wines


<p>Both chefs and food lovers would agree that a dish must be relished and people should be able to appreciate the food’s different flavours, and wines have often been a trusted way to bring out a dish’s optimal taste. Case in point, many tasting menus created by fine dining restaurants will serve a glass of white or red that would complement the dish on the plate.</p>



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<p>While you can pair food with a drink from your personal wine collection or the one you newly bought from the store, some of these connoisseur-picked food and wine combinations will certainly impress your taste buds.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peking-Duck-and-Pinot-Noir.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74286" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peking-Duck-and-Pinot-Noir.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peking-Duck-and-Pinot-Noir-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peking-Duck-and-Pinot-Noir-420x280.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Peking Duck and Pinot Noir</strong></p>



<p>Food enthusiasts have different opinions when picking a wine bottle that matches perfectly with this popular Chinese dish, but the most common pick has always been Pinot Noir. This is because Peking Ducks have a rich salty and savoury taste to them due to the hoisin sauce that is added to the crispy duck meat. So, a wine like Pinot Noir which has a relatively high amount of acidity to it balances out the roasted duck’s intense flavours, making this one of the most favoured food and wine combinations.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shellfish-and-Japanese-Koshu-Wine.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74288" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shellfish-and-Japanese-Koshu-Wine.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shellfish-and-Japanese-Koshu-Wine-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Shellfish-and-Japanese-Koshu-Wine-420x280.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Shellfish and Japanese Koshu Wine</strong></p>



<p>This wine variety that originates from Japan has subtle notes of fruitiness allowing people to feel the refreshing taste of white grapes and apples in each sip with the Koshu wine being produced at a specific altitude and temperature. Such flavours, in combination with its low acidity, make this white wine variety a perfect drink to pair with shellfish dishes, which are often cooked with a thick layer of butter, as the food and the wine balance each other out. To enjoy the best of this wine pairing, you may want to try the Michelin-starred restaurant Arcane’s Lightly Cured Hokkaido Scallops with a glass of the Grace Wine Gris de Koshu 2021 which Chef Shane Osborn has featured in Arcane’s limited-edition menu in collaboration with CulinArt 1862 that is exclusively only available on the 17th and 18th of May.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Raclette-and-Burgundy-Chardonnay.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74287" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Raclette-and-Burgundy-Chardonnay.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Raclette-and-Burgundy-Chardonnay-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Raclette-and-Burgundy-Chardonnay-420x280.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Raclette and Burgundy Chardonnay</strong></p>



<p>Another food and wine pairing that has been recommended by top chefs for the light texture of the wine to balance out the heaviness of the dish is the Raclette paired with a glass or more of Burgundy Chardonnay. For those unfamiliar, the Raclette is a classic French dish that is made by melting the Raclette cheese and eaten in combination with boiled potatoes, meat, pickles and spices. With the dish obviously being packed with calories and rich in flavours, a French wine like Bourgogne blanc has citrus notes and a subtle saltiness that make it go well with something heavy like a traditional Raclette.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="512" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wagyu-Steak-and-Rioja-Red-Wine.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74289" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wagyu-Steak-and-Rioja-Red-Wine.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wagyu-Steak-and-Rioja-Red-Wine-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Wagyu-Steak-and-Rioja-Red-Wine-420x280.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Wagyu Steak and Rioja Red Wine</strong></p>



<p>Red wines have often been voted as the best wine to be paired with steaks, and apparently, there is a scientific reason for it. Red wines have a substance called tannins, particularly strong in the younger wines, which has a molecular structure that helps to melt fats, thus when paired with a dish like steak, it brings out the taste to the fullest by cutting into this thick layer of meat. True to this technique is Chef Stanley Wong’s recommended pairing – Binchotan-Grilled Australian Wagyu Striploin with Finca La Emperatriz Las Cenizas 2018 which can also be enjoyed at CulinArt 1862’s six-course tasting menu that has been created alongside Arcane.</p>


The Best Food and Wine Pairings: Which wine goes well with which dish?


<p>Alsace in northeastern France has been officially recognised as an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) wine region since 1962. It is home to the famous 170km Alsace Wine Route, a tourist hotspot that winds its way through the Vosges foothills and the Rhine plain, past colourful towns and villages and vineyards of Riesling and Gerwürztraminer. Alsace is noted for its dry and aromatic white wines, with these two grapes yielding many of its best.</p>



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<p>Tristan Pommier, an expert sommelier who curates Clarence’s wine program, a restaurant in Central, says. “Alsace boasts a very dynamic and thriving wine scene that is renowned for its wide range of grape varietals, grand cru wines and terroir expressions,” he says.</p>



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<p>Pommier spotlights several young Alsace winemakers who are now making their mark, in addition to established winemaking families with a long history in the region. The latter, including Zind Humbrecht, Valentin Zusslin and Josmeyer, can be found on Clarence’s wine list. Up-and-coming estates La Rogerie and La Grange de l’Oncle Charles are definitely worth a try and can also be poured at the restaurant.</p>



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<p><strong>Grand Cru diversity</strong></p>



<p>Pommier believes Alsace has become one of the key winemaking regions in France due to its diverse array of grand cru wines. There are 51 vineyards classified as grand crus for their quality terroir and winemaking.</p>



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<p>“In addition, Alsace offers a range of winemaking styles, from traditional to biodynamic, which allows for a wide variety of flavour profiles and wine types,” notes Pommier.</p>



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<p>The dessert wines of Alsace, particularly the sweet ‘Vendange tardive’ or late-harvest wines, are highly regarded by connoisseurs. “One of the most unique aspects of Alsace’s winemaking industry is its production of sweet wines,” concurs Pommier. “Due to the semi-continental climate and great variety of soil types in Alsace, these wines have the remarkable ability to age gracefully over time, often improving in flavour and complexity as they mature.”</p>



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<p><strong>Youthful sensitivity</strong></p>



<p>Clarence recently held a promotion of the region’s delights. “We thought it would be interesting to showcase the talents of promising young winemakers, such as the owners of La Grange de l’Oncle Charles, a couple who manage a 5.5-hectare vineyard that is co-planted with old, middle-aged and young vines that are regularly replaced to ensure they thrive in a diverse range of soils,” says Pommier.</p>



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<p>Pommier also suggests why the wine is so appealing. “The winemakers take a sensitive approach to their craft, carefully considering the fruits, vines and ecosystem to produce elegant wines that possess their own unique subtle touch,” he says.</p>



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<p>The tastes and aromas of these wines leave their mark: “One example is La Grange de l’Oncle Charles Mille Lieux, which is a blend of all 13 white grape varieties grown on various soils at the Domaine. After being fermented and aged for one year in barrels on lees, this wine is characterised by its lovely ripe stone fruit aromas, intense concentration and acidity, and a touch of salinity at the end of the palate.”</p>



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Alsace Class: Great whites and late-blooming sweet wines blaze a trail through the French region

<p>Upon returning to the UK from Hong Kong, Fiona Shiner surprised many by opting out of her legal career in favour of a risky winemaking venture in the Cotswolds, a picturesque part of southwest England. More boldly still, she later opted to nurture Sauvignon Blanc, a grape varietal with little or no record of being successfully grown in the area.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70370 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb.jpg" alt="Sauvignon Blanc" width="610" height="311" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb.jpg 610w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-200x102.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-600x306.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-549x280.jpg 549w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-120x61.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-500x255.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine17_rgb-400x204.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 610px) 100vw, 610px" /></p>
<p>It was a gamble that paid off. Indeed, her 2021 Sauvignon Blanc took both the highest score and the highest award in the Unoaked category at the most recent Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters event.</p>
<p>“News of the award triggered an amazing amount of interest in the wine. After two of the busiest weeks in our history, we have sold out of the 2021 vintage entirely,” says Shiner.</p>
<p>After leaving Hong Kong, she and her family settled in Woodchester Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty set on steep limestone slopes. As a wine lover, she was more than aware that England was surprising many with its world-class sparkling wines and Bacchus was beginning to make a reputation for producing quality still-white wines. She wondered if the local land – poor grade arable – would support her own oenophile aspirations.</p>
<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="//www.gafencushop.com/chianti-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chianti – The Perfect Wine Pairing for Any Dish</a></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70366 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine16_rgb-e1679305222105.jpg" alt="Sauvignon Blanc" width="768" height="391" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine16_rgb-e1679305222105.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine16_rgb-e1679305222105-200x102.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine16_rgb-e1679305222105-600x305.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>After conducting research into the area’s wine-making heritage, she discovered it had been home to vineyards as far back as the time of the Domesday Book (circa 1085 AD). As a result, the temptation for her to create a new vineyard far outweighed the lure of a return to the law and, so, she planted her first acre in 2007.</p>
<p>On the basis of her initial plantings in 2007- 2013, she quickly established that her vineyards were capable of producing good quality wine. In 2015, she then took the big plunge and planted 2,000 Sauvignon Blanc vines, a grape variety she was a particular fan of.</p>
<p>“The risk was that England is a very cool climate in viticulture terms and Sauvignon Blanc ripens later than a number of varietals, such as Bacchus, that we use for our still wines, so would it ripen fully in England?” says Shiner.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70367 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine101_rgb-e1679305256412.jpg" alt="Sauvignon Blanc" width="750" height="750" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine101_rgb-e1679305256412.jpg 750w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine101_rgb-e1679305256412-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine101_rgb-e1679305256412-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine101_rgb-e1679305256412-600x600.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></p>
<p>As it turned out, 2021 brought particular challenges. While the summer temperature was more or less average for England, heavy rain was widespread although Woodchester Valley vineyard escaped the worst. A warm, sunny spell throughout September and October, however, pretty much saved the day.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70368 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine26_rgb-e1679305298358.jpg" alt="Sauvignon Blanc" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine26_rgb-e1679305298358.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine26_rgb-e1679305298358-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/wine26_rgb-e1679305298358-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Outlining what she sees as underpinning her success, she says: “Sauvignon Blanc is an expressive variety which manifests itself in different ways. Our wine expresses classic cool climate Sauvignon Blanc aromas and flavours. I also believe the limestone soils bring a vibrancy to the wine and add a bright acidity.”</p>
<p>For the 2021 vintage, the best description almost certainly came courtesy of the Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters judges. Summing up the wine, they concluded: “It starts with an intense gooseberry nose, building up to reveal undertones of ripe lemon. On the palate, there is a bright, taut acidity and a juicy mouthfeel. Very well-balanced, there’s just a hint of sweetness on the finish, which is long and textured. A very engaging wine and perfect for matching with asparagus or goat’s cheese.”</p>
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<p><em>(Text: Neil Dolby)</em></p>


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Tag: white wine

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The Best Food and Wine Pairings: Which wine goes well with which dish?

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