Commentary: Is McLaren Vale the Next Barossa Valley?

Dean Aslin looks at disruption in the Australian wine scene.

When it comes to new world Shiraz few have the reputation that Australia’s Barossa Valley does but recently its southern neighbour has been grabbing the attention and deservedly so.

McLaren Vale lies to the South East of South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, and it is a much cooler climate than the Barossa with sea breezes on most afternoons. Whilst there has never been any doubt about the high standard of wines coming from the region it is now getting a lot of attention because of the awards and accolades it is receiving for their exceptional Shiraz.

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Flagship Wine: Ambassador or Juggernaut?

We look into the flagship wines of the world’s leading wine countries.

What’s the wine or grape that first springs to mind when someone mentions France, Spain, Argentina or New Zealand? Bordeaux, Tempranillo, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc? These are considered the “flagship wines” of those specific countries – their ambassadors as such. But do they really bring value to their motherland’s wine industry, or do they shine so bright that they stultify it?

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Debra Meiburg: Master of Wine, Author and Hong Kong Wine Mythbuster

A look inside Debra’s new book on the HK wine market.

Debra Meiburg, arguably Hong Kong’s most famous Master of Wine; with wine classes, TV shows, YouTube channels, wine competition judging – she can now add “book author” to her amazing list of acheivements!

We posted about Debra Meiburg’s Guide to the Hong Kong Wine Trade here before, and we attended the launch event at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair last month where the book was finally available for ordering.

We are currently reviewing our copy and will bring you a full review soon – but her presentation at the HKIWSF peaked every attendee’s interest so much that there was an overwhelming stampede to get a copy (or 2) of the book.

So we asked Ms. Meiburg, if we could post the slides here so that we can show off more about the contents of the book – and she agreed. So below you will see some of the top line information that is presented in her book – myths about the Hong Kong wine industry:

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The Magic of Wine Glasses

Jordi Chan looks at the beauty of glassware for your wine adventure.

Since more and more people start their adventures in wine, wine equipment becomes more essential in everyone’s apartment.

For candlelight dinners, wine tasting events, birthday parties, or even a causal gathering of friends; a decent and appropriate glass can definitely make that night more unforgettable. Can you imagine a beautiful girl drinking champagne with a huge red wine glass or a stylish man having red wine in a champagne flute? That’s really horrible.

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Interview with Alsace Wine Expert Thierry Fritsch in Hong Kong

Mr. Fritsch talks to us about Alsace wine and its growing popularity in Asia.

As an Oenologist for Conseil Interprofesionnel des Vins d’Alsace (CIVA), Mr. Thierry Fritch has been lecturing in Asia about Alsace wine (France) since 1997.

Based in Alsace himself for most of the year, Mr. Fritch spends two months of the year in Asia and another 3-4 months travelling the world talking about the beauty and elegance of his local wine.

We had a chance to sit down with the connoisseur when he was attending the big Alsace promotional push at a grand dinner at Tsui Hang Village and at the Alsace Wine Fair in Causeway Bay.

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Vintage Wines Meet Matsutake Mushrooms for a Taste Explosion

Jordi Chan pairs the Japanese-grown fungi with a red and a champagne.

Recently, I had an excellent experience with Matsutake mushrooms from Japan (松茸) with some vintage Champagne and a Burgundy red.

A wonderful dinner was hosted at Amuse Bouche, which is located in Wan Chai. The most impressive dish served that night was the Roasted Seasonal Matsutake Mushroom. Matsutake mushroom is a very rare and seasonal ingredient, which is extremely popular in Japan. With it’s heavy unique aroma and very smooth texture, the taste is reminiscent of cooked scallop. Definitely, a magical dish, and paired with the right wines only ignites the taste buds even further.

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