Upcoming Wine Discovery Weekend 2016

Ewineasia is holding the third edition of what’s becoming an annual affair of it’s Wine Discovery Weekend. I had the opportunity to attend the preview and here’s a snapshot on the upcoming activities lined up for local wine enthusiasts.

 

The theme this time is “Discovering The Exceptional Less-Explored”. The plan is for enthusiasts to try wines a little less common, a little beyond the mainstream range. Activities will be held over 3 days (15, 16 and 17 Oct 2016). There’s 3 wine masterclasses, 2 wine dinners, 1 wine brunch and a walkabout tasting arranged to cater to your varied inclinations.

The Walkabout Tasting is on 15th Oct, held at APS Lifestyle Gallery. There’s more than 100 wine labels from over 40 wineries lined up for this event. 18 winemakers and winery representatives are attending this tasting to share with enthusiasts their wines and experiences. Paolo de Marchi from Tuscany (Italy), Celler Pinol from Terra Alta (Spain), Lis Neris from Friuli (Italy) and Agusti Torello Mata from Penedes (Spain) are a few of the representatives you can expect to see during this event.

The topics for the  3 masterclasses look interesting. They are:
a. Pinot Grigio of Friuli and its Rare Back Vintages
b. The Rise of Organic & Biodynamic Wines
c. Fine Wines of Espana

One doesn't often get the opportunity to try back vintages of Pinot Grigio. One question which may be going through your mind is whether Pinot Grigio holds the virtues and potential to warrant keeping and aging. Vintages of Lis Neris Gris 2013, 2011, 2009 and 2007 are lined up for tasting during this masterclass. Now you’ve got an opportunity to find out for yourself. These masterclasses (which comes complimentary) are held during the Walkabout Tasting.

Then there’s the wine meal experiences:
a. Wine Discovery Dinner at Shisen Hanten on 15 Oct
b. Vino Espanol Discovery Brunch at Cherry Garden on 16 Oct
c. Latin World Wine Discovery Dinner at W Hotel on 17 Oct

More additional info, you can visit the following link: Wine Discovery Weekend 2016

The Great Southern Wine Event in Singapore

The Great Southern Wine Producers came to town recently to meet up with local wine enthusiasts. One of their aim was to share with wine consumers here information on their wine zone, sub-regions and the type of wines they produce.

A handful of wine producers from this region participated in the Masterclass, Dinner and Walkabout Tasting held in conjuction with this awareness exercise. The Wine Review acted as the local organizer and hosted these wine events in Singapore.

It’s a timely reminder of this region, as local wine folks here by and large look towards Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions for their purchase of Western Australian wines. Even during casual discussions on cool climate wine regions in Australia, the Great Southern wine region seldom gets readily mentioned. At times a little effort from wine associations and stakeholders go a long way to educate and expose wine consumers to wine regions less heard of. In this context, the efforts of the Great Southern Producers Association needs to be appreciated.

Masterclass for Media & Sommeliers

The masterclass was held at Yan Restaurant (National Gallery of Singapore). Ch'ng Poh Tiong and Tan Ying Hsien, MW moderated this tasting session. Over 2 flights, participants were given the opportunity to taste Rieslings and Pinot Noirs to better understand the style of wines produced in the Great Southern region.

The wines presented were:
Flight 1
Rising Star Riesling 2014
Rockcliffe Single Site Riesling 2015
3drops Riesling 2015
Plantagenet House of Plantagenet Riesling 2015
La Violetta Das Sakrileg Riesling 2015
Frankland Estate Poison Hill Riesling 2015
Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge Riesling 2015

Flight 2
Plantagenet Omrah Pinot Noir 2013
Rockcliffe Third Reef Pinot Noir 2015
La Violetta Ye Ye Rouge Pinot Noir 2015
3drops Pinot Noir 2015
Rockcliffe Single Site Pinot Noir 2015
Wignalls Pinot Noir 2014

Daisuke Shibuya

Unlike the warm-hot wine regions in Australia, The Great Southern offers the coolest wine growing region in Western Australia. The grapes get the opportunity ripen slowly, gain physical and phenolic ripeness, while at the same time retain good acidity to provide a fresh, vibrant sip. The wines therefore weren’t bold, concentrated or rich in character. They were, as one would expect, more the cool climate style displaying a degree of restraint and offered a delicate personality.

They highlighted more the purity of fruits in fresh, lively, light-plus to medium bodied sips. Rieslings from this region by and large highlighted minerality and citrus notes, with the occasional white flower blossom aroma. Pinot Noirs were notable for their youthful body with fresh red berry notes and lively acidity which offered a feel of vibrancy in one’s palate.

More pictures of this Masterclass can be viewed via this link: Masterclass Photos

The Great Southern Walkabout Tasting for Public and Professionals

This tasting was held at Salon by the Pool (Conrad Hotel) on 27 Aug.

 

 Seven wine producers from The Great Southern showcased their wines. They were:
3drops
Frankland Estate
La Violetta
Plantagenet Wines
Rockcliffe
Rising Star
Wignalls Wines

Both public and wine professionals attended this casual walkabout tasting which offered participants the opportunity to interact with wine producers directly and taste their wines.

Apart from Rieslings and Pinot Noirs introduced during the Masterclass, there were wines made from Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet blends as well. The Sparkling Chardonnay and Rose from the Rising Star winery and the Rose from 3drops proved delightful distractions from the still reds and whites tasted during this event.

Paul Hyatt of Rising Star with Jessica Tan

Joanne Bradbury of 3drops

More pictures of the Walkabout Tasting can be viewed via this link: Walkabout Tasting photos

A Bollinger Champagnes Tasting in Singapore

A new tie-up between local wine company Enoteca Singapore and Champagne House Bollinger. Enoteca recently organized a workshop on Bollinger champagnes to introduce its latest addition to local wine professionals. It was held at St Pierre (Singapore).

Pictures of this tasting and be viewed via this link:
Bollinger Champagnes Tasting Photo Album 

Bastien Mariani of Bollinger Champagne

This is not to say that folks here were unaware about Bollinger; it is a well known House after all. To prove this point, when Bastien Mariani (export area manager) of Champagne Bollinger asked if we knew of this House, a few participants promptly went “Sure, the James Bond Champagne”. I suspect Bastien is used to hearing replies in similar vein. He took it in his stride and answered “yes, but there’s more to Bollinger champagnes as well” with a playful smile.

The Presentation

During the presentation, Bastien highlighted several factors which over the years have helped this House with its continued success. Some notable factors were:

a. Owning its own vineyards (presently about 165 hectares within the Champagne region) helps this House implement its own viticultural standards and practices. This goes a long way to ensure quality of its grapes. Currently 97 hectares are under Pinot Noir cultivation, 38 hectares under Chardonnay and 30 hectares used for Pinot Meunier.

b. The conscious choice of using Pinot Noir as the dominant grape varietal for its champagnes is highlighted as a winning formula.

c. The reserve wines of this Houser are stored in Magnum bottles and stored under cork, which according to Bastien, offers winemakers a good quality of base wines to work with.

d. Fermentation is undertaken in barrels and the finished champagnes are aged way longer than stipulated by appellation rules; a process which goes to produce elegant and complex sips.

e. This House has always been a family owned concern, which gives it a degree of freedom in running its own affairs; making it all the more easier to focus on producing and maturing champagnes in a manner the owners are satisfied with.

The Tasting & Wine Personalities

The Special Cuvee Brut N.V. and Bollinger Rose N.V. showed as light bodied, crisp natured sips with persistent flavor offerings in the palate. Both displayed vibrant bodies with refreshing personalities. Between these two, I was delightfully seduced by the delicate red fruits and berry notes in the Rose, its personality revealing itself via tiny playful bubbles which teases one’s nose and palate.

La Grande Annee 2005 and La Grande Annee Rose 2005 were different creatures compared to the earlier champagnes. These were strong, sturdy sips (both in aromas and flavor offerings). Aging has blessed these sips with good weight, depth and long lasting finish. Again the Rose with its red fruits flavours and slightly spicy undertones seem to capture my preference. The sommelier at St Pierre served these champagnes in white wine glasses. Definitely a good call, as these sturdy sips deserved larger glasses to better appreciate them.

 

The last champagne served was the Bollinger R.D. 2002. If the last two were about sturdy champagnes with complex personalities; the Bollinger R.D. 2002 was about powerful presence. There’s certainly nothing shy about this sip. It surprises the palate with a strong, bold presence and demands attention; one which I was more than happy to give. It's not often that I get an opportunity to taste an age-worthy champagne which displays such power, personality and finesse. This champagne certainly offered a learning experience for me.

Additional Information

For those keen, here’s some technical information on the champagnes tasted above:

Special Cuvee Brut N.V. Blend consist of: 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay, 15% pinot meunier (over 85% of Grands and Premiers crus used). Aged for more than twice the time required by appellation production rules.

Bollinger Rose N.V. Blend consist of: 62% pinot noir, 24% chardonnay, 14% pinot meunier (again over 85% of Grands and Premiers crus used). Aged for more than twice the time required by appellation production rules.

La Grande Annee 2005 Blend consist of: 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay. Grapes from 13 crus; Pinot noir mainly from Ay and Verzenay; and Chardonnay from Avize. Chouilly and Mesnil-sur-Oger. 95% of Grand crus and 5% Premier crus used. Fermented entirely in barrels; and aged for more than twice the time required by appellation production rules. Only produced in exceptional vintages.

La Grande Annee Rose 2005 Blend consist of: 72% pinot noir and 28% chardonnay. Grapes originating from 13 crus; Pinot noir mainly from Ay and Verzenay; Chardonnay from Avize, Chouilly and Mesnil-sur-Oger; with 5% of red wine contributed by Cote aux Enfants wine. 95% Grand crus and 5% Premier crus used. Aged for more than twice the time required by appellation production rules.

Bollinger R.D. 2002 Blend consist of: 60% Pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. Grapes come from 23 crus; 71% Grand crus and 29% Premiers crus. Only the very est amog vintage champagnes become Bollinger R.D. Very long maturation, more than three times the time required by appellation production rules.

A Retail Outlet on Organic Wines in Singapore

This entry is for wine enthusiasts in Singapore keen on buying organic wines.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a masterclass on organic wines. It was organized by Mahota Commune and conducted by Lim Hwee Peng. Pictures of this event can be viewed via this link:

Photo Album on Masterclass

This class was held at this Commune's new place of operation at Kitchener Complex, Level 3, 809 French Road, Singapore 200809. It occupies a fairly large place from which it retails groceries, operates a bakery and offers multi concept eatries all focusing on organic products.

In line with this ‘organic theme’ it has also included a wine retail outlet focusing on organic wines. Wines have been sourced from various local wine merchants, thus making it easy for consumers to visit a 'one-stop' place to buy organic wines originating from different countries (and in the hands of different local wine merchants).

Alick Too

Alick Too, a well known figure in the local wine industry, is presently in-charge of wine retail operation here. He explained that the shop currently carries around 66 labels with wines from Australia, France Italy and USA. It retails different types of organic wines too (sparkling, rose, white and red).

After the masterclass, participants were invited for a tasting of several organic wines under its current wine portfolio. One unique inclusion during this tasting was the 2014 Mahota Winery Merlot Cabernet, Penglai (China). It’s a wine produced by this Commune’s own winery located in China.

Current operation hours are from 9am to 10pm. If you are keen on things organic, this will certainly be a place for you to visit.

Wines of Portugal 2016 (held in Singapore)

As in recent years, the ‘Wines of Portugal’ wine event came to town this year as well. Unlike previous years though, this time round, it’s activities were held over 3 days; and this year's event was locally organized by Sopexa.

You don’t often hear of tailored wine classes or appreciation workshops held in Singapore specifically for Portuguese wines. Knowledge on Portuguese wines is usually acquired by and large by wine professionals and local wine merchants if they opt to pursue locally offered wine courses like WSET, CSW or CMS programs (in which wines from Portugal fare as a component to learn).

The ‘Wines of Portugal’ event therefore stand out as an important avenue for local wine merchants and professionals to get a quick snapshot on the current state of the wine industry in Portugal, meet wine producers and get first hand appreciation of its wines.

I took the opportunity to take pictures of this event; if you are keen on them, you can view them via these links:

Masterclass photo album

Dinner photo album

Grand Tasting photo album

The Masterclass

Edwin Soon, a well respected wine writer and educator in this little Red Dot of ours, was the speaker for the Masterclass. Slightly over 50 participants attended this session which was held at Casuarina Suite in Raffles Hotel. One who has travelled to Portugal before, Edwin shared on his personal experiences as well as information on Portugal in relation to the global wine scene, wine classifications governing Portuguese wines, the climate and terroir of respective wine regions within Portugal and details on notable indigenous grape varietals found in Portugal.

Apart from the well known Vinho Verde, Dao, Alentejo, Duoro and Madiera wine regions; participants had the opportunity to learn about other regions like Peninsula Setubal, Lisboa, Tras os Montes, Tavota-Varosa and Tejo (to name a few) as well.

Eight wines were tasted during this Masterclass:
2015 Aveleda, Quinta da Aveleda Alvarinho E Loureiro
2015 Casa da Passarella, Somontes Colheita Branco
Jose Maria da Fonseca, Two Rivers, Alcohol Free
2013 Vidigal Wines, Porta 6
2013 Casa Agricola Alexandre Relvas, Herdade da Pimenta
2011 Quinta dos Avidagos, Lenuma
2010 JMF, Alambre Moscatel de Setubal
2013 Lemos & Vanzeller, Quinta Vale D. Maria Reserva Lote 13

These wines offered participants some perspective on the different wine styles and characteristics found in wines from different regions of Portugal.

The Dinner

Dinner was held on 13 July at True Blue Cuisine at 49 Armenian Street. Guests comprised of several wine producers, local wine merchants and industry professionals. The theme was Peranakan cuisine paired with Portuguese wines.

Edwin Soon was at hand to talk about early Portuguese presence in South East Asia, the influence of spices on Portuguese cuisine and the development of Peranakan cuisine. A little twist to this dinner was that the wines accompanying each course were served blind. The guests were than invited to try the food with different wines and rate which they preferred as an ideal match. Results were consolidated and the preferred wines received awards of recognition. This exercise offered guests a quick appreciation of how Portuguese wines can be matched with Peranakan cuisine.

The wines served during dinner were:
Mateus Rose Original
2015 Dona Ermelinda (white)
2015 Tapada dos Monges Loureiro (white)
2015 Vinhas Do Lasso, Colheita Selecionada (white)
2013 HO Colheita (red)
2013 Esporao Reserva (red)
2011 Lenuma Limited Edition (red)
2013 Dona Ermelinda Reserva (red)
Blandy’s Bual (5 years old) (Fortified)
Sandeman Porto Tawny (Fortified)

The Grand Tasting

24 wine producers showcased their wines during the Grand tasting (which was held at the Ballroom, Raffles Hotel on 14 July). These producers came from 7 of Portugal’s wine regions: Lisboa (2), Several (6), Alentejo (4), Dao (3), Peninsula de Setubal (1), Porto & Douro (6) and Vinho Verde (2).

Wine producers and winery representatives were at hand to share with local attendees more about their respective wineries and wines. There was a good range of wine styles, single varietals as well as blends offered during this tasting event.

There were ‘easy to drink and ready to consume’ whites with slight effervescence offered by produecrs like Aveleda (Casal Garcia Branco) and Vinhos Norte (Tapada dos Monges Lourero 2015). There was serious sparkling wine as well like the Casa Ermelinda Freitas Espumante Reserva 2011 (barrel fermented, batonnage influenced and barrel aged); it certainly showed noticeable depth, complexity and presence.

Avelada’s Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde 2015 showed more than freshness due to lees aging; and Vinhas Do Lasso, Colheita Selecionada 2015 offered a white wine noticeable for structure and weight.

Both whites and reds by and large came as blends. It showed the wine producers preference to bring together the strengths of different grape varietals to produce their preferred wines.

There were a few exceptions of monovarietal wines though; like Aveleda Alvatindo 2015, Quinta Vale dÁldeia Alvarinho 2015, Horta Osorio Touriga National 2012 and Quinta Das Maias Jaen 2013.

A pleasant discovery among the reds were those from 'old vines'. Here different grape varietals are grown together in a specific plot. Then the grapes are harvested and fermented together to produce a red wine. Quinta Vale D. Maria Douro 2013 (old vines) came from a plot planted with 41 grape varietals. Another example are red wines from Quinta Dos Avidagos which showcased Quinta dos Avidagos Vinhas Velhas 2012 and Qunita dos Avidagos Vinha do Alem Tanha 2013 (both from produced from old vines).

For fortified wines, Casa Ermelinda Freitas Moscatel Roxo de Setubal Superior 2009 and Mouchao's vinho Licoroso 2009 stood out.

Certainly an educational wine event, I must say.

ProWine Asia 2016 and wines from Russia

One discovery during the ProWine Asia 2016 was a booth exhibiting wines from Russia, Kuban-Vino Winery. It carried a good range of wines from sparkling, still whites and reds, to sweet wines under its Chateau Tamagne wine label.

Though sparkling wines from Abrau-Durso (located near lake Abrau) can be found in Singapore in recent years, it’s certainly difficult to get one’s hands on still wines produced from Russia. And not all ‘Russian wines’ are products of the land either. Wines in Russia have been known to be made from bulk wines imported from other wine growing countries (meaning they are imported into Russia, undergo flavour adjustments to suit local palate and get bottled and labelled as wines from Russia for local consumption). Recent years however has witnessed some shift by local undertakings going the way of increasing vine plantings, viticulture and vinification within Russia itself, using local and international grape varietals.

The representative at the booth explained that Kuban-Vino had its origins in 1956. It’s located within the Taman Peninsula, in a village called Starotitrovskaya. Reaching its 60 years of existence, it has over the years grown into one of the larger wineries in Russia, in terms of viticultural land, vinification capacity and range of product offerings. Investments in modern winery equipments imported from abroad and embracing wine production techniques from other countries have resulted in improvements in quality of wine production and aging of wines. At present slightly more than a 100 types of wines are produced for local and overseas consumption under this winery.

Chateau Tamagne wines
 

The Chateau Tamagne wine label is positioned as its premium brand. Different types of wines are produced under this label (including sparkling wines both done in Charmat and Traditional methods). The grapes used for production are grown within the region and the wines are produced by the winery itself (none of the imported bulk wine issues over here).

Chateau Tamagne Reserve Extra Brut Rose
 

At the booth, the Chateau Tamagne Reserve Extra Brut Rose stood out for its quality, delicate body and flavours, and overall elegance. Made of Cabernet Blanc, Merlot and Saperavi, it showed what Russia can offer in terms of a quality sip.

2012 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Krasnostop & 2010 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Collection Saperavi

Among its reds, 2012 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Krasnostop and 2010 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Collection Saperavi stood out. Both had good fruit presence, depth, balance and smooth texture. While the former (the Krasnostop varietal) revealed tannin highlights in palate, the latter (the Saperavi varietal) revealed the play of acidity in palate.

2013 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Grand Dessert Traminer and 2011 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Grand Dessert Nectar

Showcasing the sweeter wines were the aged and fortified 2013 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Grand Dessert Traminer and 2011 Chateau Tamagne Reserve Grand Dessert Nectar. These being sweeter sips, I opted to taste them closer to the day’s end, but time just flew way… next time when opportune arises I hope.

Launch of BY.OTT rose wine in Singapore

 ... if you fancy something light, fresh and delicate.

The launch of a new rose wine in Singapore. The wine is BY.OTT, Cotes de Provence 2015 (its first vintage and release to wine consuming folks around the world). The local representative (and organizer of this tasting) Grand Vin Pte Ltd, chose Capella (Singapore) for this event. Held on a hot afternoon at an open air spot overlooking the pool and sea, the introduction of a new rose wine seemed a welcoming proposition and certainly a treat.

 

BY.OTT Rose 2015

Christophe Renard (Director des Ventes) from Domaines OTT* was at hand to share about this latest rose wine and the Company that produces it..

Christophe Renard of Domaines OTT*

A little background on this Domaine and its estates

Marcel Ott founded this Domaine back in 1912 with the purchase of Chateau de Selle in Tarandeau (near Draguignan, Provence). It being a post-phylloxera period, Marcel made it a point to replant the vines to ensure the quality of grapes for his wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault varietals are grown here and used for its rose and red wines.

The second estate, Clos Mirelle, was bought and replanted in 1930s. Located along the Mediterranean sea at La Londe Les Maures, Provence, it was bought in the 1930s and the vines were replanted as well. Grenache, Cinsault ad Syrah varietals are used to produce its rose wines; while Semillon and Rolle varietals are used for white wines.

The third estate, Chateau Romassan, was acquired in 1956. Its located in the Bandol commune, found in the west of the Var department. The vines here were replanted as well. Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah varietals are used for its rose wines; while Mouvedre, Grenache and Cinsualt varietals for its red wines.

In 2004 Domaines OTT* joined the prominent Champagne House, Louis Roederer. At present it’s co-managed by Christian and Jean-Francois Ott (both cousins). In relation to this part of the world, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia are it’s important markets.

The BY.OTT rose wine

The BY.OTT rose wine is the latest addition to the wines of Domaines OTT*. It’s made in Chateau de Selle estate; however, it is not a product of this estate alone. The ‘blends’ for this rose comes from Chateau de Selle, Clos Mirelle and 2 other selected growers form Provence as well.

The aim, highlighted Christophe Renard, is to produce a rose which expresses fruit and freshness with finesse and elegance. The varietals chosen to aid this endeavour are Grenache (the main component) together with Cinsault and Syrah.

This rose showed a clear wine in a light pink robe. Aromas of fresh cherry and hint of peach reveal on the nose. Palate was fresh and the first sip certainly refreshing. The delicate, light-plus body displayed youthful exuberance and flavours of red berries, citrus highlights and a hint of spice. Crisp acidity keeps the body playful and alife. It provided a pleasant, fresh finish; one much appreciated during the hot afternoon.

A few more Domaines OTT* wines

Apart from this rose wine, we had the opportunity to taste a few other wines from this Domaine as well:
2014 Domaines OTT Clos Mirelle, Rose Coeur de Grain
2014 Domaines OTT Clos Mirelle, Blanc de Blancs
2011 Domaines OTT Chateau Romassan, Rouge Bandol

While all wines stood well on their own, I must say the 2014 Blanc de Blanc did well when paired with the tapas served during the afternoon. It was a youthful, lively sip with good flavours to enjoy, possessed a good structure to pair with food, offered balance in body, a smooth texture with a suppleness to add. Vibrant in palate, it possessed lively acidity which kept this wine fresh from first attack to finish.

ProWine Asia 2016 and some wines from Portugal

I came across 2 interesting wine companies from Portugal during this ProWine Asia. One was Read Companhia Velha and the other Chateau dÓr.

Real Companhia Velha 

Real Companhia Velha had some history to offer. It was founded by King D. Jose I in 1756. Ms Dora Esteves Martins, who was at this booth, shared that this is the 'oldest Port wine company' in Portugal and has over the years greatly contributed to the development of the port wine industry.

Ms Dora Esteves Martins and friends

This company currently owns some of the best Quintas located in the Douro region (Quinta das Carvalhas, Quinta de Cidro, Quinta dos Aciprestes and Quinta do Casal da Granja to name a few).

Still wines (from Quinta de Cidro, Delaforce and Porca de Murca) as well as ports of varied styles (ruby, tawny, colheita, vntage and LBVs) were showcased during this trade show.

Previously one challenge I faced in appreciating Portuguese reds is the number of varietals which some producers generously include into a particular blend (it certainly can be one too many); and the lack of familiarity with these varietal names often added to this challenge. Such an endeavour could be perfectly justifiable from the perspective of a wine producer who appreciates what each varietal contributes and thus arrives at a composition which comes together to make a good wine in the glass; but still a challenge I must say to an overseas wine consumer trying to discover wines from Portugal.

Quinta de Cidro wines

It was therefore pleasing to see wines like Quinta de Cidro’s well made monovarietal Touriga Nacional; and another red, a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both reflected good quality, smooth texture and an elegant personality. These wines come from the Sao Joao da Pesqueira wine area in Douro.

Royal Oporto port wines

The Royal Oporto ports, apart from showing complexity and enjoyable constitution, came in well designed wine bottles which captured the attention of event participants and tempted them to stop at this booth for more information.

Chateau dÓr

It would be reasonable to say Chateau dÓr  stood out amidst the alcohol supported liquid wares offered by other booths during this event. This wine company chose to offer 'alcohol free' wines.

‘Why?’ was the question which went through my mind when I chanced upon this booth. The company representative explained that in markets where alcoholic beverages face challenges in terms of pricing, tax or cultural issues, ‘alcohol free’ wines offer an alternate option .



Chateau DÓr Red

The red alcohol free wine is produced using Merlot; while Chardonnay is used to produce a white. It sees a growing demand in some parts of the world for its alcohol free wines and intends to pursue these markets.