2012-12-24

Discover Alsace – e-newsletter 1



In the northeast of France, along the eastern foothills of the Vosges, there are rows of undulating, vine-covered hills, quaint villages with narrow streets and charming flower-decked houses clustered around the local church steeple.

This is Alsace, the famous white wine region that welcomes visitors throughout the year.

In December 2012, we arrived with first snow at Colmar, met a number of passionate

winegrowers and celebrated the season in festive markets and villages.



Wine experts tips


Nelson Chow. Hong Kong cuisines match well with Alsace wines because of the features of different Chinese regional cuisines incorporated. Spicy aroma of Sichuan dishes can be enhanced by Alsace wines. Aged Alsace Grand Cru wines pair particularly well with Shanghai cuisine for its heavy sauce.

Jordan Choy. There are a lot of welcoming domains in Alsace. I found Hugel et Fils in Riquewihr the most interesting because the estate is centrally located in the town which is rare. The Guinness recorded one of their ancient oak casks dating back to 1715. The town Riquewihr is also enchanting and worth a visit.
 
 

Places & Domaines visited
 

Domaine JB Adam
Since 1614, the ADAM family wrote the history of Alsace wines in Ammerschwihr, each bottle reflects 400 years of expertise and 14 generations of improvements. This passion, dedication, and love for wine, is transmitted to us by Jean-Baptiste and his daughter during a private tasting in their charming cellar.

Secret: In 1883, the Adam father offered each of his 5 kids an Oak barrel that are still in use and producing the best cuvees…
 
Our selection

• Crémant d’Alsace, Emotion: perfect assemblage of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir.

The Emotion range represents the best of the best bubbles.

• Pinot Gris, Letzenberg 2010: harvested by hand and offering the best of the terroir, the Letzenberg soil offers aromatic and delicate Pinot Gris with a perfect balance of sweetness.
 
Contact

Mr Jean-Baptiste Adam

5, rue de l'Aigle , 68770 AMMERSCHWIHR

Tel: +33 (0)3  8978  2321 / Email: jbadam@jb-adam.fr

english.jb-adam.com
 
Available at

SYBA (China) Ltd.


Riquewihr Village
Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, one of “ the Most Beautiful Villages in France”. 11 km to the north of Colmar, it is surrounded by Grand Cru vineyards of Schoenenbourg and Sporen, and home to famous domains such as Hugel and Dopff.

Being regarded as “the Gem of the Alsace Vineyards”, this magnificent town has

combined antique architecture with its world-famous wines. It is an “open-air museum”, housing some well-preserved old buildings and monuments.

Admirably decorated with flowers in spring and summer, the town takes on the colors of Christmas during the Advent period, in a unique atmosphere that combines the magic of Christmas with the Alsatian traditions. Shops are decorated with festive ornaments and Christmas Market is opened for locals and tourists.
 
For more information

Office de Tourisme du Pays de Ribeauville et Riquewihr

2 rue de la 1ere Armée, Riquewihr

Tel: +33 (0) 3 89 73 23 23

 

The Grape of the week


Crémant d’Alsace

AOC Crémant d’Alsace represents 22% of the production.

Fresh and elegant, Crémant d’Alsace is developed by secondary fermentation, predominately made from Pinot Blanc, and also from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling or Chardonnay.

White fruit aromas (pear, apple), sometimes with hints of dry fruit, white blossoms and brioche.

An elegant, gently sparkling wine with fruity freshness
Serve at 5°C-7°C

From aperitif to dessert, its delicate effervescence will slowly awaken your senses and magnificently complement your entire meal.

 Where to find Cremant d'Alsace?

Domaine Barth René from Vins Gallery www.vinsgallery.com


Food & wine matching


Crisps with seeds and spices


Ingredients

90g flour; 1 coffee-spoon of curry ; small egg whites; 80g butter ; Sesame and poppyseed ; Provence herbs; Sea salt


Directions

Melt the butter and beat the egg white until firm/stiff. Mix the flour with the butter, then add in the egg white, a pinch of salt and the curry. Cover the dough with a film and let rest in fridge for 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 170°C and cover the baking tray with a sheet of baking paper.

Take 1 coffee-spoon of dough and flatten into a thin disk. Do the same for the rest of the dough. Sprinkle sesame seeds on one third of the discs of dough, poppy seed on another third and provencal herbs on the rest. Bake for about 6 minutes, until golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt after finishing baking.
 

Travel tips
 

AIR FRANCE

Michel Roth signs innovative and authentic dishes on the Air France Business Class menu. 

As from 1st February 2013 and for a period of 8 months, on all long-haul flights departing from Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Air France’s Business Class customers will be able to enjoy exceptional dishes signed by Michel Roth.  After Joel Robuchon and Guy Martin, Michel Roth will become the new ambassador of the French cuisine.  He will present six unique main dishes, the result of traditional and inventive cuisine.  His dishes will be renewed twice a month for the pleasure of frequent travellers.

Originally from Lorraine, Michel Roth worked at the best restaurants in France, finally stopping at the Ritz, where he earned his second Michelin star as head chef of the restaurant “L’Espadon”.  In 1991, he won the “Bocus d’Or” Award and the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France”.

His cuisine, a mixture of authenticity, simplicity and humanity, has its roots in local French produce, where the authentic taste of French cuisine is respected.  This rigor and creativity that Michel Roth has shared and passed on to the Servair Chefs, who make dishes for Air France passengers, have a single goal: “to give pleasure and make others happy!”

This winter, Air France is offering 10 weekly flights, including seven evening and three day departures, from Hong Kong to Europe and beyond via its hub in Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. 

For latest offers & reservations, contact Air France at (852) 2501 9433 or visit airfrance.com.hk

Distance

From Hong Kong to Strasbourg: 9330 km

From Strasbourg North to South: 170 km

Airport Strasbourg Eistheim to Strasbourg City Center: 18 km

Time Difference from Hong Kong

Summer time -6H00 / Winter time -7H00


Local contacts

CIVA

Le Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace

12 avenue de la Foire-Aux-Vins

BP 11217 - 68012 Colmar Cedex France

Tél. : (+33) 03 89 20 16 20


Alsace Tourism Board





2012-12-19

Food Culture Conference

Cross-exchange between Hong Kong & France
"Quality and Food: a multifaceted perspective"

With the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, SOPEXA is glad to invite you for an exceptional food culture conference – a privileged exchange between Hong Kong community and French food & beverage professionals.
Do not miss this Sino-French exchange experience, where you can discover more about the food & wine industry with professors from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Tours - UNESCO Chair, France, and other trade professionals.


Date: 8th January 2013

Time: 2:30pm – 6:00pm

Venue: Room S421, HKCEC, Wanchai

RSVP before 3rd January - limited seats available




Speakers include professionals from France and Hong Kong:
Mr. Marc de Ferrière, Mr. Alain Clément, Ms. Isabelle Bianquis, Mr. Jean-Pierre Williot, Ms. Sylvie Vabre, Mr. Eric Kwok,  Mr. Sidney Cheung, Mr. Peter Cuong Franklin, and Ms. Annabel Jackson.

Programme

2:30pm – 3:00pm

Introduction and welcoming speech

3:00pm – 4:15pm

1st Round table discussion: Evolution of food and beverage

quality

4:15pm – 4:30pm

Coffee Break

4:30pm – 5:45pm

2nd Round table discussion: Quality, process of exportation

and local adaptation

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Cocktail

Enquiry: Ms. May Wong / may.wong@sopexa.com / +852 2866 7163

By invitation only

2012-12-18

VINEXPO 2013 BORDEAUX is welcoming you!


BORDEAUX JUNE, 16-20 2013
LE SALON INTERNATIONAL DU VIN ET DES SPIRITUEUX





The 17th edition of Vinexpo will be held in Bordeaux from 16 to 20 of June 2013.


Being the most important international wine and spirits exhibition, it welcomes trade professionals from Hong Kong to meet producers, merchants and opinion leaders worldwide in one spot.



Practical Information:

From Sunday 16 June to Wednesday 19 June (from 08H30AM to 06H30PM)
and Thursday 20 June (from 8H30AM to 04H30PM) at the Exhibition Center Bordeaux-Lac.

 
 
Strictly reserved to Wine & Spirits Trade Professionals.


For more details, please visit: http://www.vinexpo.com/en/


 
Enquiry: Ms. Elodie NIATEL / +852 2866 7163 / elodie.niatel@sopexa.com

2012-11-01

A Taste of France at Wine & Dine Festival 2012


A Taste of France is back in this year, partnering again with the 4th edition of Hong Kong’s largest consumer gastronomy fair - Wine & Dine Festival.
 
This year, A Taste of France will spoil you for choice from 25 wine and gourmet booths with nice French wines, pastries, foie gras, cheese, crêpes, escargots and a whole lot of other surprises. Besides, there are wine accessories like handmade wine openers and top quality wine glasses.
 
The French musical performance - Duo Accordion & Snare Drums will be on site playing, and you may well see a golden statue mime and a huge Eiffel Tower walking around…
 
Free Admission
1 Nov: 8:30pm-11:30pm
2 - 3 Nov: 2pm-12am
4 Nov: 2pm-11:30pm
Venue: West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade
 
 

French Moment Membership Recruitment
Sign up to be a member of the exclusive French Moment club and receive a welcome gift with any purchases of HKD150 or above at A Taste of France.
 
Rendez-Vous with French Moment at Wine & Dine
Every evening from 7:30- 9:30, carefully selected Bordeaux white & rosé will be offered for tasting. Come and mingle with new friends and exchange your French moments and adventures!


 


2012-10-19

Le Crunch Apples: the art of eating well!!

Good news for all European apple lovers since Le crunch apples are now available in Wellcome and PARKnSHOP in Hong Kong with special tastings sessions!

Specially for this year, Le crunch is launching a drawing competition for kids aged 4 - 10. From now on till 30 November, with purchase of 6 pieces or pre-packed Le Crunch apples, you are eligible to join the competition and have the chance to win 3 entrance tickets to HK Disneyland or other attractive prizes!!
 

歐洲蘋果粉絲好消息!Le crunch蘋果現已在各大超市有售!

特別於今年,Le crunch為4-10歲的小朋友舉辦了一個填色創作比賽。由即日起至2012年11月30日,凡購買袋裝或6個散裝Le Crunch蘋果,即可參加Le Crunch蘋果填色創作比賽,並有機會贏取3張香港迪士尼入場劵及其他豐富獎品!

For more details, please visit: http://www.sopexa.com.hk/lecrunch/drawing.pdf

Tasting in Wellcome 惠康試食時間表:
26-28 Oct (11am - 7pm)
Sunshine City, Causeway Bay, Metrocity III, Mei Foo, Hysan Place
新港城、銅鑼灣、新都城中心、美孚、希慎廣場
2-4 Nov (11am - 7pm)
Telford, Elements, Lei Yue Mun, Gold Luck, Kwai Chung Shopping Ctr
德福、圓方、鯉魚門、金福、葵涌商場

9-11 Nov (11am - 7pm)
Sunshine City, Causeway Bay, Metrocity III, Langham Place, Hung Hom
新港城、銅鑼灣、新都城中心、朗豪坊、紅磡
  
16-18 Nov (11am - 7pm)
Mei Foo, Tin Chak, Lam Tin, Choi Yuen, Sau Mau Ping
 美孚、天澤商場、藍田、彩虹、秀茂坪


Tasting in PARKnSHOP 百佳試食時間表:

19-21, 26-28 Oct (11am - 7pm)
City One, Choi Yuen Plaza, Ma On Shan Plaza II, Whampoa Garden III, Lucky Plaza, Metro City, Tuen Mun Plaza, Citygate, East Point City, Olympian City
新一城、 彩園廣場、馬鞍山廣場二期、黃埔花園三期、好運中心、新都城中心、屯門市廣場、東薈城、東港城、奧海城

Enquiry: Ms. Dorothy LEUNG / +852 2866 7163 / dorothy.leung@sopexa.com