餐 敍 - 聚 餐
餐 敍 - 聚 餐
Esprit 1909, L de Lézignan, Croix de Sainte Hanne, Orfèvre, La Capounado... What do they evoke?
These five wines are A.O.C. Corbières. But, what does A.O.P. mean?
What do you know about Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Rolle, and Macabeu? Check it out below!
Where are the vineyards? Look a the MAP
These five wines are A.O.C. Corbières. But, what does A.O.P. mean?
What do you know about Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Rolle, and Macabeu? Check it out below!
Where are the vineyards? Look a the MAP
|
Esprit 1909
Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! The Esprit 1909 (“1909 Spirit”) red seal is laden with French symbols and values, such as love for quality, quest for useful modernism, fight for justice and equity. Esprit 1909 reminds us of 1909, the date of Le Chai des Vignerons establishment. It was the first cooperative winery to be created in the Aude (11) county (the second in France). Grouping the wine production and controlling the winemaking has thus enabled to offer a range of diversified prices according to the different wines’ qualities. Le Chai des Vignerons was born following the 1907 Languedoc winemakers’ rebellion, at the start of a more flourishing era. Thanks to the revolt, the Languedoc winegrowers had their way in Paris on certain requests. They could benefit from the implementation of the new law they were asking for (since the end of the 19th century), ensuring the retail of quality wines (not spiked nor chaptalized) throughout the French territory. This law for promoting quality was adopted on 29 June 1907. Still now, many will recall the slogan of one of the rebel leaders, Marcelin Albert, “Long live natural wine, down with the poisoners!” (1 bottle: 428 HKD) ORDER! |
|
L de Lézignan
Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! The L de Lézignan tells so many stories about the Corbières and its heritage. The L de Lézignan refers to Lézignan Corbières, iconic city of the Corbières, famous, influential and indispensable wine ambassador of the region. Capital of the Corbières, the municipality is home to Le Chai des Vignerons, which is the first cooperative winery to be created in the Aude (11) county, in 1909 (the second in France), after the 1907 winemakers’ rebellion. (1 bottle: 328HKD) ORDER! |
|
Croix de Sainte Hanne
Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! Croix de Sainte Hanne is truly a wine of sun and tradition. The “H” of “Hanne” was only added for regulatory reasons. Actually, Croix de Sainte Hanne refers to Sainte Anne, whom the people of Lézignan Corbières are used to implore every year. They ask her for rain before the grape harvests and for the crop protection. This tradition keeps being alive, taking nowadays the form of a procession every August 11th to the so called “Croix de Sainte Suzanne” (“Sainte Suzanne cross”), into the Garrigue. Sainte Suzanne cross is the one which appears drawn on the Croix de Sainte Hanne bottle label. It is said that the “Sainte-Anne” and the “Sainte Suzanne” crosses are the same and it is time that has erased the three letters, S, U, and Z. (1 bottle: 318 HKD) ORDER! |
|
Domaine Vent D'Ange (La Cuvée des Dieux)
Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! Domaine Vent d’Ange, is a French word game, with “Vendange", that means “harvesting.” "Vent d’Ange”, also means “The Wind of the Angel”. In the Corbières, the wind can be very strong. It is a gift to the vineyards because this dry Mediterranean wind protects the vines from many diseases. The wind symbolizes the protection of the angels. That is why we also call Domaine Vent d’Ange the “Vintage of the Gods” (la Cuvée des Dieux). (1 bottle: 388 HKD) ORDER! |
|
Orfèvre
Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! The Orfèvre is the gold of the Garrigue (referring eventually to JinGarrigue). In French, the « Or » from “Orfèvre”, means gold. “Orfèvre”, literally, means “the craftsman working precious metals, dedicated to ornamental objects”. Look, the robe of the “Orfèvre” seems made of pure and fine gold! The Orfèvre also refers to the gold we could find during the old times in the Orbieu river and to the gold mining Salsigne in the “Hautes Corbières”. (1 bottle: 298 HKD) ORDER! |
|
La Capounado Know more about its characteristics and temperament. Pair it with the delicious Cantonese Cuisine! La Capounado is a rosy wine strongly linked to happiness, to the joyful atmosphere during harvest time. The word “Capounado” comes from the verb “Capouner” that means, in the Corbières’ region, “painting the face of a woman with a bunch of grapes during the grape harvest”. La Capounado is also a statue intimately bound up with Lézignan Corbières identity. Displayed in the public garden, it represents a man getting ready to smear the face of a lady with a grape… The first “Capounado” to adorn the park was a splendid piece of art by Paul Ducuing. Unfortunately, it has been taken by the German during the second World War. Since 2013, another “Capounado” cheers the Lézignan public garden, crafted by the sculptor Arthur Saura. Whatever happens, the spirit of the “Capounado” will never leave the town. (1 bottle: 298 HKD) ORDER! |
Grape varieties' personality
|
Syrah: There were many different legends about Syrah’s origin. It was said that this grape variety was brought from the East during the Crusades, from Persia, Syria or even from Syracuse! Now, we know that Syrah is native to the Ardèche (France) and to the Savoie (France), pleased to grow in the Rhône Valley (France). Increasingly planted in the South, it has notes of peppery violets, black currant, raspberry and blackberry. It is developing aromas of truffles with ages.
Grenache: Originally from Spain (Aragon province), introduced in France during the Middle Ages, this is a grape variety which needs warmth to attain ripeness. It produces round, silky wines that are sensual, alcohol-rich and deeply aromatic. It develops spices (cacao, coffee, tobacco, caramel), dry fruits (fresh walnuts, figs, dried grapes) aromas. It is at the heart of great wines which age well. Carignan: It may have been introduced in France during the Middle Ages, brought by pilgrims coming from Santiago de Compostela. The dry Languedoc’s hillsides suit it very well. Its aromas are fruity, with a powerful structure, adapted to aging. Rolle (Vermentino): Its powerful aromas release hawthorn, almond and apple perfumes, bringing quality and personality to white wines. It gives freshly delicate wines, slightly aromatic, with a beautiful pale color, generally well balanced. It sometimes lacks acidity, explaining why it perfectly pairs with Macabeu. Originally from Anatolia, it has grown in France at first above Nice, in the Roya valley like a rockery wine. Macabeu: Typically, a Mediterranean vine, it produces delicately aromatic, fine and light wines, often used in assembly to compensate for a lack of acidity. It is used as well for the dry whites as for the production of natural sweet wines. It brings its honeyed and aniseed notes. |
What is A.O.P. Corbières?
The A. O. P. (“Appellation d’Origine Protégée”) is regarded as a gold standard model for wine producing countries around the world. The “Appellations d’Origine Protégée” wines are the finest wines of France. Each of the wines that have been given this title have abided by a very strict set of regulations, which fall into eight categories:
Production area
Each wine growing region in France is strictly defined. Only wine made from the grapes grown within those boarders have the right to use that appellation (for example, Champagne, Bourgogne, Corbières).
Grape varietals
Each geographical area has permissible grape varieties and given proportions. This is based on historical records that have determined which varieties perform best in particular soils and climates. If a producer makes wine with grapes other than those permitted or in improper proportions, they forfeit their right to use that appellation.
Yield per hectare
Larger grape yields decrease their quality, so the best crop comes with a restricted yield. Maximum grape yields are set for each appellation.
Viticulture practices
This category regulates pruning techniques and timing, fertilization methods, the type of trellising system and irrigation guidelines.
Alcohol content
All wines denoted as A. O. C. wines must stay within a certain range of alcohol content.
Wine making practices
Based on historical studies, wine-making practices are controlled in each appellation. This includes guidelines on aging requirements and chaptalization (the process of adding sugar to increase alcohol content).
Tasting analysis
All wines given the label A. O. C. must go through a chemical analysis as well as pass a taste test for typicity. If the wine doesn’t stay true to its kind, it will be declassified.
Varietal labeling
While the regulations surrounding this category are beginning to change, traditionally, producers were forbidden to put the name of the grape varietal on the label. In doing so, they would be forfeiting the right to use the appellation.
The A. O. P. (“Appellation d’Origine Protégée”) is regarded as a gold standard model for wine producing countries around the world. The “Appellations d’Origine Protégée” wines are the finest wines of France. Each of the wines that have been given this title have abided by a very strict set of regulations, which fall into eight categories:
Production area
Each wine growing region in France is strictly defined. Only wine made from the grapes grown within those boarders have the right to use that appellation (for example, Champagne, Bourgogne, Corbières).
Grape varietals
Each geographical area has permissible grape varieties and given proportions. This is based on historical records that have determined which varieties perform best in particular soils and climates. If a producer makes wine with grapes other than those permitted or in improper proportions, they forfeit their right to use that appellation.
Yield per hectare
Larger grape yields decrease their quality, so the best crop comes with a restricted yield. Maximum grape yields are set for each appellation.
Viticulture practices
This category regulates pruning techniques and timing, fertilization methods, the type of trellising system and irrigation guidelines.
Alcohol content
All wines denoted as A. O. C. wines must stay within a certain range of alcohol content.
Wine making practices
Based on historical studies, wine-making practices are controlled in each appellation. This includes guidelines on aging requirements and chaptalization (the process of adding sugar to increase alcohol content).
Tasting analysis
All wines given the label A. O. C. must go through a chemical analysis as well as pass a taste test for typicity. If the wine doesn’t stay true to its kind, it will be declassified.
Varietal labeling
While the regulations surrounding this category are beginning to change, traditionally, producers were forbidden to put the name of the grape varietal on the label. In doing so, they would be forfeiting the right to use the appellation.
