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Great spirits born in a small barn…

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Old Dutch Distillers is the story of a young man, Herman de Jong, who begins to test distillation processes in the bottom of a barn in 1888. He start with the juniper and the vodka and then embarks on gin and rums. Today, 130 years later, his great-grandson continues to market his spirits around the world ! Back on a beautiful family adventure…

 

The story

It’s in a barn in the north of Rotterdam, behind an old mill that everything starts… Indeed, Herman de Jong, the founder of Old Dutch Distillers started to make his own vodka and juniper, in secret, in an old discarded boiler. For years he experimented with all kinds of receipe. Later, one of his friends from Schiedam (a city that gave its name to a juniper alcohol), revived this old “kettle” and so was born the Old Dutch distillery !

 

A taste for adventure and a spirit of discovery !

Born in 1848, Herman de Jong was the second child of a large family in northern Rotterdam. His father was a skipper. Very young, he follows in his father’s footsteps and starts working on a ship. So he comes into contact with many products, and discovers different ways to sublimate them ! It is this curious spirit and his taste for adventure that drives him to always try new things.

 

Vodka and juniper but not only …

After his vodka and gin have become highly regarded products in Rotterdam, Herman de Jong begins to dream of America. “Old Dutch” is the nickname that people started to give him at that time, when he was wandering in the port of Rotterdam in search of elsewhere.

 

… also more exotic flavors!

It is during one of these walks that Herman finds an old barrel containing the remains of a Caribbean rum. He falls in love with this sweet aftertaste, and decides to find the producer of this delicious baking. He takes one of his trips on the oceans to visit this producer and finds in him a partner of choice ! Together they create a very tasty Dutch rum – a happy blend of culture that combine their respective know-how.

Before he died in 1903, Herman de Jong experimented with several recipes of juniper, with different kinds of spices and herbs. After the prohibition, towards 1930, these descendants will exploit his old formulas (until then remained secret), to create the Gin Old Dutch.

Today, Johannes, Herman’s great-grandson and new owner of Old Dutch, continues to proudly carry the brand’s philosophy. He exports his products all over the world with the idea of ​​developing society on the international market, as dreamed of by his Dutch great-grandfather !

 

4 alcohols, one philosophy !

If Old Dutch Distillers produces several alcohols, the spirit is always the same : a fair mix between tradition and innovation, and quality always.

-Great juniper : this is the brand’s signature product, distilled since 1888 ! But also the young juniper : to stay in the traditions while offering aromas fresher, less marked than those of his big sister.

-Vodka : a hint of black pepper and citrus notes for this Old Dutch vodka handcrafted and rewarded by a super band.

-Gin : how not to make gin when you are the undisputed master of juniper berry ? An ancestral Dutch trend to which they add a touch of lightness !

-Rhum : in white, brown or old rum, these spirits bring with them all the Caribbean flavors that were dear to the founder of the brand and his father’s marine skipper !

 

Sincerely yours,

Biodynamics lovers equal excellent winemakers !

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If the concept of biodynamics (dynamisation of life), seems relatively esoteric and abstract, the result on the wines is very tangible and concrete, just as the positive effect of this type of agriculture on the grounds. The domain Ronadelles understood this and is now one of the best ambassadors of this philosophy, for our greatest happiness ! So how does it work ? What are the main benefits of biodynamics cultivation on wines ? We will explain everything to you !

“Quality, singularity and adequacy with the soil”, these are the slogans of Ronadelles. To be in agreement with this mantra, it was necessary to opt for a biodynamic culture. However, this choice is not without consequences because this culture implies more important work than traditional reasoned culture. A commitment therefore engaging for this Spanish vineyard. So what is biodynamic use for ? How is it put in place and especially for what results ? Very spiritual answers with the cellars of Ronadelles !

 

What is biodynamic?

It is a system of agricultural production whose foundations were laid by Rudolf Steiner, author and philosopher, and which consists in taking into account the influence of lunar and planetary energies and rhythms. If the man is very controversial, his teachings seem to be well founded and effective. And for good reason : it is supposed that Mr Steiner was inspired by forgotten ancestral knowledge (incas in particular), in order to conceive this method of production which is not only in harmony with nature but also perfectly optimized thanks to it.

This system involves working with all kinds of cosmic influences to improve the work of the land and, in this case, the vineyard. More generally, it is a question of restoring and improving the relationship that man has with nature by remembering the formidable powers that elements and plants have.

Our ancestors had learned to listen to the precious advice of nature, they knew the properties of each plant, they knew how the stars and their movements impact the tides, but also the land, the fauna and the flora. So, in order to offer us the wonderful opportunity to relearn all these secrets from these old teachings, Mr. Steiner had the good idea to list them in the book entitled “The Farmers Course”. Biodynamics was born !

 

Each of our wines is the result of hundreds of decisions made in the vineyard and cellar. Decisions taken by observing the moon and stars, respecting the lunar calendar, the laws of nature and biodynamics because we believe in a sustainable viticulture and respectful of the environment. This way of doing things, the great diversity of soils and the marked and varied character of the terroir, allow us to obtain a fruit of great quality, appreciated and recognized in all our wines, explain Eva Prim, winemaker of Celler Ronadelles since 2008.

 

What benefits?

In addition to being an excellent guide for farmers, biodynamics has many other advantages :

– it allows to obtain vines in better forms and therefore wines of higher quality : even winemakers who do not believe in biodynamics often observe a positive change when they follow the precepts that this doctrine teaches.

get rid of inputs that pollute the soil : indeed, many farmers claim to be able to do without chemicals thanks to biodynamics.

– it regenerates the earth, which then finds its whole life (we speak of living soils).

– the terroir is thus preserved for future generations.

Produce wines of great quality, with a soul and in the respect of the soil, was for the vineyard estate Ronadelles, the most beautiful gifts !

 

In concrete terms, how does it work ?

As Jaume Giral, founder of Ronadelles, and Eva Prim, oenologist of the vineyard, explains, biodynamic farming goes much further than organic farming. First in terms of sulfur that is allowed in much smaller quantities, but also and especially for all that concerns viticulture. They follow the biodynamic calendar, use plants, energies, animals, stars, etc., all natural elements to sublimate the wines. Nothing more, nothing less !

It takes a lot of work because the rules are plural and complex (working hours of the vine, preparation of plants, day reserved for roots, fruits, flowers or leaves), all under names just as special : preparation 500, 501, etc. You will find more details in specialized books but the result is totally positive ! As well for the land as the animals or the men. So why not ?

 

Focus on Ronadelles

Located in Priorat, west of Tarragona, these vineyards of Catalonia produce, among others, wines in DOQ Priorat or DO Montsant. The vineyards stretch out between the Mediterranean Sea and the homonymous massif and enjoy diverse environments formed of a wide variety of soils and reliefs. This allows them to develop different types of wine in order to highlight the unique character of each agricultural parcel. Their wines have the intrinsic character of their land, their climate, and their honorable way of working the land.

 

Different types of soil = Different types of wine

 

For great evenings : « Vins i llegendes », made under the DOQ Priorat, is the wine that represents the purest expression of the “terroir” of the Priorat vineyards. It is a true tribute to this land full of light and energy. This wine is available under four different labels, all illustrated by hand !

 

 

 

With friends : “Giral Vinyes Velles”, made from grapes of excellent quality from 60 to 90 years old vines, in this range, the wines are creamy, powerful and elegant and slightly wild … They have enough to satisfy the most demanding palates.

 

 

 

 

 

Every day : « Cap de Ruc », range L’Essència del Montsant, lively and expressive wines dominated by the DO Montsant, but also cavas, sweet wines, etc., or “Selecció”, unique and original wines that are distinguished by their elegance and sensuality. They all present a modern and attractive style in the mouth, characterized by very soft tannins. Aging in American oak barrels.

 

 

Find them on their website or on Instagram

 

In short, I have only three words to add : Long live to Ronadelles & biodynamics !

 

 

Heathland : Austria also wants its angels’ share !

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If we already know great Austrian wines, it seems that this country can also produce excellent spirits ! So, how do they make quality whiskeys ? What are their secrets to compete with the Irish and Scottish, historical masters of this alcohol ? Answers !

Heathland whiskey is produced in Burgenland, the most oriental and least populated state of Austria. The name is not yet chosen at random, it evokes the steppes and pastures of Seewinkel, the sunniest region of Burgenland. Josef and Erich Etl, the lucky founders of Heathland were convinced : with a good idea and the right place, we can only do exceptional products. So, what are the common points of these great whiskeys ? We tell you everything !

 

The history of this alcohol

Legend has it that whiskey has participated in, or even spawned, the evangelization of Ireland. Indeed, St. Patrick, a kid from Cornwall, was allegedly kidnapped by pirates and taken to Ireland. Later, he would have learned the methods of distillation among the alchemists in Alexandria and made the Celts discover the joys of alcohol. It would have been much easier to convince them that a god exists.

Over the centuries Irish, Scottish and English have fine-tuned their working methods. It’s only in 1494 that we talk about whiskey. Note that, now, the biggest consumers are the Indians (English colony).

 

How does Heathland produce quality whiskey ?

From now on this drink is no longer the preserve of the Irish and their neighbors. The Japanese have become references with brands such as Nikka and, Kavalan, the world’s best whiskey according to some amateurs, is a Singaporean brand. So what are the commonalities of these exceptional whiskeys ? You will see that the recipe is always the same : quality products from a terroir of choice, pure water and a neat work !

Good quality primary products : it is with their own barley, which grows on the agricultural lands of the Pannonian Plain of Halbturn, that Heathland is produced. This region offers a dream terroir for whiskey !

A careful malting process : here, fermentation is slow and temperature controlled, with a vacuum cooking process.

Aging in selected barrels : the whiskey is kept in wine barrels selected for the complex aromas they bring to the spirit. This first whiskey was made from an Austrian barrel from the Neusiedlersee region, famous for its strong wines. Heathland spent three years in barrels to give the aroma time to skate.

Finally, the whiskey is bottled (while waiting to be tasted by you).

A special format : after countless design and bottle format tests, Heathland opts for a simple and warm packaging and an original capacity : 0.5 L.

 

Tasting : the result is authentic

 

At the tasting, no disappointment ! This Halbturn Pannonian whiskey is a malty whiskey with aromas of vanilla, toasted bread and roasted coffee. At the end of the mouth, notes of creamy caramel brings a round and gourmet finish.

Josef and Erich Etl, have a small family estate of about 15 hectares and they also produce grape and apple juices, dry and sweet white and red wines. They will be delighted to welcome you in their wine bar for you to taste all the products and tell you more about their story. You can also find them on Instagram !

 

 

 

Yours & angels’ share.

 

More information on the website.

Vignobles Gabriel & Co, or when the trade guarantees quality wines !

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Traceability of products, independence, biodynamic agriculture … Wine trading has changed ! In any case in the partner Vignobles Gariel & Co : a wine merchant who offers quality wines, defends and represents the interests of his partner vineyards while motivating them to make healthy products. A small revolution in the wine world.

How does a « wholesaler » manage to make local wines ? To work qualitatively ? In respect of its partner producers ? Survey with Vignobles Gabriel & Co !

 

What is a wine merchant ?

His activity is to assemble wines from different producers to offer volumes greater than what a winegrower alone could have, but he will also negotiate with professional buyers (wine shops, sommeliers, restaurants …), and sometimes with private buyers. He will therefore negotiate with both producers and distributors. Wine merchants are possible intermediaries between winemakers and consumers. It is a kind of umbrella brand.

 

How did Vignobles Gabriel & Co become wine traders ?

The history of Vignobles Gabriel & Co began in the 1900s with Gabriel Bruneteau who founded the property “Domaine du Grand Moulin” in the heart of the vineyards of Blaye, on the right bank of Bordeaux. Elected Mayor of the town of Saint Aubin de Blaye, he decided to create a wine trading company ! 80 years later, his great-great-grandson, Jean-François Réaud, enlarges, diversifies and modernizes the vineyard, thus perpetuating this beautiful family history. The « domaine Le Grand Moulin » became « château Le Grand Moulin», and then « château Les Aubiers « (belonging to the family), and reached a surface of twenty-five hectares at the beginning of 2000.

 

In 2011, Jean-François Réaud converted part of his vineyard into organic farming and continued to grow. Faced with growing consumer demand, he decided to bring together producers from neighboring areas in order to create a winemaking family, convinced that this inter-aid will allow them to increase the reputation of their wines. This is how Vignobles Gabriel & Co are born, as a consecration of work begun a hundred years ago by the great-great-grandfather of Mr Réaud : Gabriel Bruneteau ! Finally, in 2015, Jean-François Réaud acquires « château Haut Sociondo », pearl of Blaye, then « Seigneur de la Tour », AOC Bordeaux.

Today the vineyard reaches 81 hectares in total.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How does it works ?

Commitment and loyalty are required at Vignobles Gabriel & Co. About 20 winemakers and producers are working together in a friendly and collaborative way, bound by a contract for a total or partial volume of their production.

 

What are the means to ensure the quality of the products when we work as a wine merchant ?

In order to ensure the quality of the products, the partner vineyards of Vignobles Gabriel & Co must commit themselves to respect a charter that promises a careful work from the vine to the bottling. Particular attention is paid to the environment. Requirements that constantly adapt to new challenges that producers face. This philosophy of respect for the land is carried by some vineyards partners certified organic viticulture and even biodynamic. The goal is to ensure product quality and preserve soil for future generations.

In order to guarantee the quality of his products to the end customer, Mr Réaud had the judicious idea to ensure the independence of the Vignobles Gabriel & Co. To do this, they have developed a completely independent production line, including their own bottling circuit, which allows them to maintain control of the marketing and distribution from A to Z. In addition, IFS and BRC, international certifications, guarantee the traceability of wines.

 

Valorisation of appellations of the Bordeaux right bank

It is this freedom that allows the Vignobles Gabriel & Co to offer an extensive range, very representative of its terroir of origin : the right bank of Bordeaux. Thus valuing ​​each appellation located in this area.

  • Bordeaux : a generic name produced in the vineyards of Bordeaux and which, like all French AOC, meets the qualitative standards defined by the I.N.A.O (National Institute of Appellations of Origin). It is the best-selling AOC in the world. It can be completed by the mentions “clairet” : reserved for dark rosé, or “claret” : reserved for reds. It covers a wide variety of soils and grape varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Merlot, Cot and Petit Verdot for the reds, and Sauvignon, Semillon, Muscadelle, Colombard, Mauzac, Ondenc and Ugni Blanc, for white wines.

With producers like Sébastien Lafitte of château Haut Cormier, and many others.

  • Bordeaux Supérieur : here no rosés and quality criteria even more stringent than those of AOC Bordeaux since these wines must be from old vines and spend at least nine months in barrels before marketing.

Château Cateau Lagrange, owned by Christophe Porcher (in organic farming, please!); Château Haut Landon by Michelle Brimaud; etc.

  • Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, in red or dry white, this AOC produces wines from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in red, and Sauvignon, Ugni blanc and other grape varieties such as Colombard (in smaller proportion), in white.

Didier Sicaud of Château Canteloup Lestage; Jean-Michel Bergeron from Château Haut Valletta; Damien Lorteau of Château Haut Bigord, etc.

  • Côtes de Bourg, located opposite the Margaux appellation, this AOC produces red wines like whites. They come from the traditional Bordeaux grape varieties, but also Malbec – a red variety also called Cot in the Loire region – or Muscadelle and Colombard : dry and fruity white grape varieties.

See the château du Luc, certified organic, held by Lionel Lorente, and many others !

  • Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, exclusively produced in red wines, this appellation requires a majority of Merlot (70% main grape variety), complemented by Cabernet Franc (20%), and / or Cabernet Sauvignon (10%).

Château Bellevue Rochers, Patricia Aroldi (in biodynamic culture !), or Tour d’Horable, Pierre Faytout.

But also smaller AOC like : “Francs Côtes de Bordeaux” (540 ha), where we find the castle Puy Galland, belonging to David Labatut, or “Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion” (750 ha), where we find Pierre Faytout, with the castle Puisseguin la Rigodrie this time .

The wines coming from the right bank of Bordeaux are, in red as in white, wines of pleasure, tasty, round and elegant. In short, they are flasks to discover !

More informations on the website !

Woodland, the best Sauerland gin, in Germany

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In the last ten years, there has been a real boom in the consumption of gin. Today, under the impulse of young entrepreneurs who are passionate about spirits and eager to embrace this new trend, the phenomenon is gaining momentum ! Recently, Woodland Dry Gin Sauerland, a mountainous and wooded region of northern Germany, has retained all the attention of lovers of this spirit. 

Artisanal, distilled with Sauerland spring water, unfiltered, and super stylish, Woodland is as beautiful as it is good. Discover a product that will be talked about!

 

Where ?

In the Sauerland, a region renowned for skiing and for its invigorating climate in winter and summer, the soil is made of slate schist, sandstone, limestone and, to the east, volcanic rocks. It is a country of hills, forests and pastures where crystal clear water flows. The Woodland gin is a tribute to this region, it has the same elegance, the same charm as the Sauerland.

 

Who ?

Till Brauckmann, Olaf Baumeister, Matthias Czech, Gregor Biedrzycki (From left to right).

Till Brauckmann and Matthias Czech, two longtime friends, marketing and communication professionals, join forces to create Woodland. One takes the position of designer and public relations consultant (Till, 46), the other that of creative director (Matthias, 38). They are quickly joined by their childhood friends, a very eclectic team : Olaf Baumeister, chef and gourmet ambassador of North Rhine-Westphalia for the Sauerland region, dr. Moritz Dimde, lawyer, Gregor Biedrzycki, who is behind the printed illustration on bottles. Together they decide to offer the Sauerland the dry gin it deserves : a premium product. After months of research and testing they achieve the desired result : a favorite spot in the gin range.

 

What ?

It is made from mainly native and very original plants : hand-picked sorrel, aromatic spruces, fresh nettles and dandelion root. These wild herbs give Woodland Sauerland Dry Gin its full identity. A tangy and fresh taste reminiscent of the energy breeze of the mountains and the name of its region of production (in Sauerland there is “sauer”), then, more woody and deep notes that evoke the scents of the forest. It is a gin that reflects its terroir wonderfully and seduces with forgotten flavors, as if each sip allowed us to revisit the past. In short, it is a gin that will delight both connoisseurs of spirits and Sauerland lovers.

 

How ?

Thanks to the content as you anderstood, but not only : the bottle itself is a delight (to consume with the eyes this time). A beautiful, refurbished pharmacist-type bottle with a beautiful detailed illustration that tells the story of the confessional struggle in the Sauerland : 150 years of bitter fighting at the time when the region was still divided between the Counts of the Mark and the Archdiocese of Cologne. These black and white prints beautifully adorn the inside of the bottle for a guaranteed eye-catcher effect. Totally hypnotic !

Tasting Tip : Olaf Baumeister, culinary ambassador in the Sauerland, recommends to drink it with an Indian Tonic Fever Tree, a thin slice of green apple and a fresh mint leaf to accompany your Woodland gin. It is also perfect as an aperitif, with carefully selected tonics, or as a cocktail.

 

In addition to their traditional gin, Woodland offers another limited edition product (only 1,000 bottles), Distiller’s Cut. It is 57.15 ° alcohol for a pure gin, with a lot of character, which flatters the palate. It is packed in a wooden box illustrated and numbered by hand. A true ode to gin.

 

In short, we tip our hat and raise our glass … of Woodland, of course !

Find more informations on the website.

The Castalides range of La Grange winery : great Languedoc wines !

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« That’s where I want to be, that’s where I want to stay ! », these were the words that Mr Freund thought of in 2007 when he visited La Grange for the very first time. Today, thanks to the work that his wife, his team and he have provided for more than ten years, the winery offers high quality wines in AOP Pézenas, all in a sustainable development approach ! What are the keys to such success ? Survey of viticultural land.

A sumptuous location, next to the regional park of Haut Languedoc, in the heart of a wild nature… It was enough for the couple Renate and Rolf Freund (initially distributors of wines in Germany), now converted winemakers. It is this terroir of choice as well as the will to value the Pézenas appellation which inspired them the Castalides range : a collection of three great Languedoc wines ! Discovery…

 

Secret n ° 1 : a good geographical situation, a terroir of choice

Nestled in the heart of the Hérault, between the Pyrenees and the Cevennes, about thirty kilometers from the sea, the area enjoys a beautiful sunshine but also a distant sea wind and the cool breeze of the Cevennes. The soils are here volcanic which brings to the wine of the structure. At the tasting, we will find these aromas of scrubland (garrigue), rosemary and thyme, typical of the Languedoc wines and landscape, but also the freshness and the tonicity in the wines. This balance is reinforced by a significant temperature difference between day and night, which is here favorable to a good maturation of the vines. In addition, these southern geographical areas are less prey to diseases of the vine : the wind sweeps the mushrooms and the sun dry them. Finally, the wines of Pézenas are generous, expressive, rich, and deep, they offer intense notes of spices and ripe fruit, these are wines of character that appeal to international consumers. In short, it is a land that optimizes the production of quality wines.

 

Secret n ° 2 : a quality wine work, carried out with respect for the environment

Adherents TERRA VITIS, a French association that promotes biodiversity within the vineyard and a living land, the owners have made the choice of a healthy viticulture. You will be able to see all kinds of birds, butterflies, lizards, ladybugs and plants around the vines. « Tillage is done in the purest respect of the environment : short pruned vines, moderate yields, search for the ideal maturity for each plot, optimization of the varietal / soil relationship, vinification by plots, temperature controlled fermentation and careful breeding in oak barrels are our key assets to succeed. », proudly explains the owners of La Grange winery.

The grapes come from our best and oldest parcels. Some are over 50 years old and can only be harvested by hand.

These « cuvées » come from blends of traditional grape varieties : mourvèdre, syrah and grenache, the three kings of the region, are here in the spotlight. They are complex and very sensual wines, rounded by a long aging in French oak barrels, which softens the tannins.

 

Secret n° 3 : A shock team

Renate and Rolf Freund bought the winery in 2007, when Pézenas became AOP.

In order to offer the best of this terroir and to work on each plot in order to sublimate the production, they surround themselves with a young, highly qualified technical team, who share their passion and their vision of wine.

 

 

 

The aptly named Mrs Garrigue, deals with the commercial part, Thomas Raynaud, who worked at Lafage vineyard estate, in Roussillon, is responsible for production, while Jean Natoli and Gwenaël Thomas, two renowned Mediterranean oenologists, accompany La Grange in its development.

 

The result ? A collection of three high-end wines !

Castalides Réserve, a blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, is a spicy wine with a velvety texture. Ample, it lines the palate and offers notes of vanilla and black fruits.

Castalides Édition, a wine made from a Syrah / Grenache Noir blend and produced in AOP Pézenas, is an elegant and harmonious wine. Here, slightly toasted and peppered aromas complete the palette of Provençal flavors and wild berries. This is the wine that has won the most medals and we believe it is also their best cuvée because the « wood is melted ».

Castalides Icône, also in AOP Pézenas, combines syrah with mourvèdre. This blend gives this wine a very sensual character with aromas of wild herbs softened by greedy notes of blackberries and prunes. 12 months aging in oak barrels.

 

 

La Grange set itself the goal of producing great wines and has achieved its bet : medals, prizes, and Parker points (up to 94), have rewarded the work provided on this range Castalides.

We have only one word to add : bravo.

 

More informations on the website

Niemand Dry Gin : or the art to revisit the traditions !

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Gin is in fashion ! Why ? Because it mixes well with spices and herbs, offering a huge range of new flavors that meet the demands of a clientele more and more sophisticated. Niemand Dry Gin knew how to exploit all the potential of this alcohol too long relegated to the rank of second. Discover a gin tonic and full of character !

Sebastian Otto & Torben Paradiek, the two German-born friends who founded Niemand in 2015, give up the usual citrus aromas and prefer a more floral bouquet, twisted by peppery notes. A gin that fits in a modern style, which brings freshness in the flavors as well as in the world of spirits ! Add to that a very nice bottle design in a style as tonic, and there you go : a fresh and original alcohol, several times awarded in the United States and Asia !


From the juniper berry, but not only…

The gin and its traditional bay of juniper is now married with all kinds of plants and spices. Consumers are curious and they like to discover flavors, cocktails, or unpublished recipes. Sebastian Otto & Torben Paradiek understand this well and if the juniper berry does not go away it blends with the other flavors.
Here, the three main aromas are lavender, sandalwood and rosemary. These deeper notes help extend the freshness of the top notes brought by juniper and its citrus scents. Then develop aromas of apple, ginger, cinnamon or vanilla, which brings roundness to this bitter alcohol.

 

A spirit of modernity combined with craftsmanship


It is in a small distillery in Hanover, the hometown of the creators of Niemand, that this elixir is produced. Fascinated by the different recipes of gin and seeing the potential of this alcohol, the two colleagues, who then held an art gallery in the same city, embark on distillation ! The whole process, from the creation of the brand to the distribution, took place quickly, thanks to the artistic career of the founders of Niemand Dry Gin, which allowed them to design a superb packaging by their own means.

The London Gin they produce symbolizes the quintessence of gin. The term “London” does not express an origin but a style : a distilled gin whith no artificial element (flavor or color) added if not sugar.  Produced in very small quantities (each distillation represents only 104 bottles), it is a rare gin, obtained from ten plants picked by hand and thanks to a traditional distillation process.

A tasting full of punch

The tasting takes you in the Mediterranean, in the heart of the fields of lavender and rosemary, but also in more exotic lands, where grows sandalwood and vanilla… At the end, you’ll find delicate notes of fresh apples and ginger and a touch of rose water, reminiscent of Rooibos tea scents.

A dry gin, aromatically powerful and complex, which will seduce the amateurs ! Probably the best known gin of Hanover.

To serve chilled, with a apple slice and a good tonic.

 

More informations on their website.

 

Sincerely yours & daring !

Terre Sabaude : all the charms of the piedmont in bottle !

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A ruby red color with a velvety texture, an intense nose, depth and tannins but also finesse… We are well in the Italian wine codes of the Piedmont region ! This vintage celebrates its terroir and its unique grape variety, the barbera, and restores a great value to the cooperative cellar.

 

Quality wines

The range of wines offered by Terre Sabaude, is the work of the producers of the municipality of Govone who joined in 1957, to represent the Piedmont terroir, defend common values and make their wines prosper. A successful bet for these winemakers since their wines now enjoy international recognition.  An attitude of solidarity legitimately rewarded…

 

A beautiful representation of the terroir

It is in the north of Italy, around Turin, that is the region of Piedmont and its famous protected appellations Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Alba. The Borbonica cuvée highlights the Barbera, a grape variety already appreciated by expert and still too little known by the general public. Produced with vines that are 300 meters above sea level, the wine Borbonica is matured in French barrels.

But producers in the Govone region also produce wines in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations, which enhance the Nebiolo grape variety, or white wines and bubbles (with Arneis grapes, typical of the region, or Chardonnay and Sauvignon).

The Borbonica, Barbera d’Alba from Terre Sabaude, is a beautiful expression of this terroir but also a proof that cooperative wines can be remarkable !

 

The tasting

 

A wine that is both racy and sensual, with aromas of cherries, chocolate and praline, and that will go perfectly with red meat or traditional Italian dishes such as Lasagna Bolognese.

The Barbera d’Alba is a wine that can age 5 to 7 years old and that approaches as a barolo for a cost often lower.

In short, a success!

 

 

Yours and Italian wine,

Castle of Plassac : products in pure French traditions, the history in heritage

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Plassac is the association of a sumptuous castle, a small family vineyard and ancestral and traditional methods. The French history is here at the service of products ! Discovering a superb terroir and one of his favorite winery.

In Charentes Maritime, not far from Cognac, is the small vineyard of Plassac.

Formerly owned by the Duke of Epernon, one of the main characters of the French nobility, the winery is taken over by the Dampierre family, who has since continued to perpetuate the ancestral traditions and to make this exceptional cultural heritage flourish.

 

Millennial traditions

The 20 hectares of vineyards surrounding the castle benefit from optimal production conditions : a large part of the vineyards is located inside the property’s walls, which allows to obtain the best quality juices possible, and it is undoubtedly because at this place the vine enjoys an exceptional sunlight that our ancestors had chosen this superb terroir !

Always worked in the great cellar of the eighteenth century, old cognacs and pineau des Charentes are magnificent products ! Artisanal, assembled by traditional methods … A cultural heritage unchanged for centuries that seems to still have good days ahead !

 

A small historic wine estate of more than 500 years…

The Château de Plassac is a vineyard on a human scale where Jean-Louis de Nogaret, lord of Valletta and Caumont, Duke of Epernon, had taken up residence over 500 years ago. Favorite of kings Henry III, IV and Louis XIII, and enemy of Richelieu, the duke will be one of the leading characters of the time.

For 200 years, 8 generations, the castle belongs to the Dampierre family, which has enlarged while preserving the original building.

 

 And a sublime castle, more than 200 years old…

This family history takes root in 1772, when the current building, designed by the architect Victor Louis, is built to replace the old castles of the 12th century. Upper loft, roofs covered with slates, “Italian room”, stone staircase and black and gold wrought iron railing, private suites, outbuildings, courtyards, balustrade, sculptures, etc. The castle is a jewel.

Again, we walk in the footsteps of history. A taste of yesteryear , like a madeleine of Proust.

 

Tasting side, it’s always success !

 

Cognac XO, signature of the winery, presented in a beautiful gift box in old oak barrels (to work in an ecological and ethical way), offers vanilla, spicy and exotic notes, round and ample.

Napoleon cognac is clear in the mouth with aromas of fresh and light pear and caramelized apples, but this spirit also have a nice structure.

And the inevitable pineau des Charentes, white or red, already also widely rewarded by professional critics.

Best regards and inebriation,

 

Find more informations on the website.

What We Can Learn From Singapore Retail Business?

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Bugis

INNOVATION IS EVERYTHING

CapitaMall is one of Asia’s largest real estate developers and has a large number of commercial real estate projects in Singapore. Its retail performance ranks in the forefront of Singapore and is a benchmark for Singapore’s retail industry. Among them, Clarke Quay and Bugis+ (Pak Sha Entertainment Center) are Its two key projects were created.

Bugis+: A Special Commercial design

Bugis+ is known as Singapore’s first city retail entertainment center and has a lot of popularity in China. The Bugis+ shopping centre was formerly the Iluma shopping centre and was once forced out of business due to poor management.

In February 2011, Kaide purchased Iluma for S$295 million and rebuilt it. The new layout emphasizes the combination of performance and exhibition space. This adjustment is specifically targeted at young people aged 20 to 30 years. It fully fits the functional positioning of art, education and entertainment in the Baisha Street District and integrates with the city.

In response to its sparse traffic situation, CapitaLand has adjusted the layout of each floor, using multiple layers of trading methods, and has placed a large flow of passenger input ports on each floor, and each floor has its own With its unique characteristics, it has gathered enough passengers to invigorate the overall passenger flow.

The interior activities of the building are arranged in three layers around the central space.

The first floor of the building forms a continuous road network with the surrounding streets to facilitate pedestrians entering Iluma from all directions.

bugis market

A pedestrian bridge on the second floor of the building rushes out of Iluma and crosses the road, establishing a passage between Iluma and the adjacent development. All passages lead to the main hall. The main hall is a 40-meter high space. It is divided into two volumes in the horizontal direction. Each volume has its own characteristics, but they are visually related to each other.

The operational concept of the Bugis+ project is far ahead of the prevailing trader’s ideas that are based on the local or local rents. The lobby on the third floor of the building contains a hollowed-out dining area that spans two floors. The picking-out structure means a layer of space for the trader, but it enhances the transparency and experience from the consumer’s point of view. Feelings, the project’s cohesion and consumer satisfaction has also been improved, and the ultimate beneficiaries are the project itself.

The interior of the project is a street-viewing landscape that gives consumers a strong sense of substitution and experience, and the customers are full of praise for this store.

This kind of consumer-centered thinking of project layout has become a “wonder”. In order to improve customer satisfaction and abandon the direct economic benefits, the project’s popularity and passenger flow are increased. The final economic effect is better than the conventional one. This trader’s idea of ​​improving customer satisfaction based on consumer demand is bound to be the trend of the future, that is, returning to the nature of business, to customer satisfaction, moving the main purpose, around the needs of the core customer groups, optimize the details of the store, enhance the shopping experience.

Clarke Quay: The Charm of History and Modern Elements

Clarke Quay is the largest historically protected complex along the Singapore River and is located in the tourist resort of the Singapore River.

At the end of the last century, with the changes in shipping activities and the completion of the dredging of the Singapore River, the Singapore government proposed the Singapore River Plan in 1985. Kade eventually won the right to develop and transform this plan.

At the time of retrofitting, how to deal with the second-hand trading market in Clarke Quay triggered a big debate. From the perspective of the trader, the second-hand transaction market is inconvenient to manage and has relatively low efficiency. It should be restructured to facilitate the management of high-return retail or leisure areas. However, in the end, CapitaLand retains the functions of the secondary trading market and enhances it. Create new space for display and trading of artworks. In addition to the original 70 old booths, Clarke Quay cooperated with professional art companies and arranged more artists to go to the flea market to display their own hand-made art. The arts presented were numerous and ranged from traditional Chinese art to foreign art.

Clarke Quay

Kaide abandoned the flow of people and benefits that could be brought about by the retail and leisure areas, and persisted in the original cultural value and business atmosphere of Clarke Quay. In combination with new formats and new functions, Kidd has enriched the cultural vitality of the region and raised the number of carats. The value of the terminal.

Today’s Clarke Quay follows the principle of “relying on the advantages of waterfront resources and location, based on the original business and trade atmosphere, and interpreting the concept of urban leisure and entertainment from day to night to the extreme”, and will renovate along the river and renovate it. During the process, the architectural form of the existing warehouses for the old wharf was preserved, the overall architecture maintained the style of the Nanyang Arcade and the architectural forms were unified.

Clarke Docks opened the commercial and leisure industry chain and maximized the leisure and consumption experience. The project has brought together special waterfront catering, specialty shopping centers, adventure and entertainment, branded bar nightclubs and hotels to become tourist destinations that attract foreign tourists. It also attracts local people to actively consume the active area. In the open spaces and bridges along the banks of the river, there are often professional music teams or celebrities in recording locations and rehearsals to attract a large number of tourists to enjoy them. A good environment and humanistic architecture exudes a powerful “random experience mode” to attract passengers.

During the rebuilding of Clarke Quay, Kade adhered to the historical and cultural heritage of the protected area and innovatively integrated modern functions, formats, and experiences. While retaining the spirit and core, it also raised the elements of commerce and leisure to the extreme, and restored the historic building complex. The successful reconstruction of Clarke Quay in Singapore has fully reflected the innovative concept of the harmonious coexistence of commercial and urban Singapore.

Marina Bay Sands: Miracles in the Air

Marina Bay was once the inner bay of the Singapore River into the Singapore Strait. Since the 1970s, with the commencement of reclamation projects, Marina Bay has only begun to flourish. Due to the vast open land nearby, Marina Bay has gradually become Singapore’s central business district. The Sands Hotel invested by the Las Vegas Casino Group has gradually become the latest landmark building in Singapore.

In the overall plan of the project, in order to maintain the natural ecology of Marina Bay as far as possible, the Singapore government will only plan 15 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 square meters) of land on the Henan side for commercial use. Therefore, in the entire Marina Bay project, the Sands Hotel project had to be extended to the top, so the current pattern of three 55-storey towers was formed.
Marina Bay Sands
The Bayside Park behind the hotel covers an area of ​​101 hectares. It is connected by three different styles of waterfront gardens: Binhai Garden, Binhai East Garden and Binhai Garden. It is an integral part of Singapore’s “Garden City”. . This layout fully reflects Singapore’s adherence to its philosophy of integrating nature, city and business.

Based on this concept, Sands Hotel has innovatively created an air link across three super high-rise towers on its top floor – the Sands Sky Garden. At one end of the Sky Garden, the largest public suspension in the world is built. The cantilever is 66.5 meters long and is spectacular. Hundreds of plants are planted in the garden and provide a wide range of supporting facilities such as running paths, gardens, pedestrian streets, bars and an infinity swimming pool. It is reported that this platform garden can accommodate 3,900 people at a time for various activities and walks over an altitude of more than two hundred meters above the ground, allowing consumers to have a wonderful experience.

Today, as part of the Marina Bay project, the Sands Hotel Complex has become the gateway to the city. From the ships berthed at sea, look through the two windows of the tower and the roof garden to see the sights of the city of Singapore. From this viewing point of view, the prospects of the entire project – including the Sands Museum, the pedestrian street and the undulating roof structure – form the base of the high-rise building and arch upwards, followed by a series of richly-saturated gardens. The tropical landscape extends from the coastal park to the seafront. This magnificent scene is the best witness of Singapore’s perseverance and innovation.

WHAT WE CAN LEARN?

1. Business and the city are in a harmonious coexistence relationship. The city is the carrier of business, and the business serves the residents of the city. The historical and cultural heritage and functional attributes of the region naturally occupy the minds of consumers, possess tenacious vitality and unlimited commercial vigor, and on the basis of it, a wonderful interpretation can be made. Become a winner in a business project.

The historical and commercial districts can be found everywhere in the country. If businesses can’t really operate these properties like a century-old business, then the rich history cannot support the service experience.

2. Shopping malls are no longer just commodity trading venues. They are also social spaces for consumers. The era of relying on goods to aggregating passenger flow is gone forever. Customers must continue patronizing a shopping mall because of the way of life they convey and meet their social needs. Here, they can find themselves and release their hearts.

Some domestic enterprises are trying in this direction and have already achieved initial results. For example, the Yue kingdom of Joy City in Chaoyang City creates a green theme community based on the urban haze problem. The rich green ecology inside greatly enhances the region’s cohesiveness.

3. Innovation in the retail industry should directly target the target consumer group. The dimension of innovation measurement is no longer an economic indicator such as ping effect and sales. It should start from consumers and bring them the most plentiful sensory experience. Hit the point of demand of consumers and make consumers satisfied, moved, or even embarrassed.

Most of the domestic retail businesses are one-stop shops. The root cause of the problem is that there is no systematic understanding of consumer demand, and it is not possible to effectively plan in phases and have no ability to design portfolios.

From the transformation project of Singapore’s traditional community business, we can feel what is planning and thinking. Singapore’s companies can build multiple floors based on the flow of people and lifts; they can raise the top three floors of the original old business to create a three-dimensional LOFT experience zone… These are after simple brand adjustments. In-depth thinking, domestic retail companies must actively deploy their own best when they are in transition, to the real experience of social space transformation and upgrading.