International Wine Challenge from the kitchen – Act 1

Even though the competition is now finished, in anticipation of the final results that will be announced at London International Wine Fair in less than a fortnight, let me go back in time to relive these few unforgettable weeks.

For Act 2 click here

For the Epilogue click here

In Ghent’s fair city

A chilly winter morning. I walk down the picturesque streets of still drowsy and in general very quiet town of Ghent, passing by fairylike canals, period houses, churches, squares, small shops and cafes. After several twists and turns, the cobbled streets bring me to a beautiful Kouter Square which on every Sunday morning holds a traditional flower market, an activity, for tourists and locals alike. 

To boldly go where few winemakers have gone before

Living and travelling in South America can give a very valuable perspective to a European used to small scale of things, short distances and in general having everything at a hand’s reach.

Tatras, Tokaj, and Thermal springs – a Slovakian itinerary

        Winter is a great season for get-togethers. It reminds me a bit of emperor penguins huddling somewhere in ice bound Antarctica to fight off cold. Fortunately we don’t need to go to such extremes but truth be told social gatherings are equally natural for us. If combined with the right place and menu there’s no better way to spend unfavourable winter evenings. As for the days, there are more than enough ways to try ourselves against the nature.

Rosé – a love to discover

        While, traditionally the Old World Countries don’t put the name of the grape variety on the label, it is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the New World Countries which on top of that have adopted signature grapes that over decades have proven to be best adapted on the local soil, therefore Chile is Carmenere, New Zealand is Sauvignon Blanc and South Africa is Pinotage. 

A winemaker’s dream

        Valle de Uco, approximately 70km south of Mendoza, Argentina. 35^oC and still well over a month before the summer. On an early Friday afternoon I’m standing on the side of the road trying to shelter in the shadow of a transition pole. I’m waiting for the director of Bodegas Rolland to pick me up for a tour. These few minutes there taught me a quick lesson on what the sun is capable of here. I’m very glad to see my saviour as by now a good part of water has already evaporated from me.

Rebels with a cause

                                              Picture by Riedel

        It’s not a secret that the saying wine gets better with age is not all true. It obviously does if was made to be aged but its price or the waiting time it requires are often a very effective discouragers. Besides, these wines are not what one commonly pairs with a Tuesday dinner, are they?