2005-03-23 12:47:48男孩.形塑

-The Breath of Angel-

~阿爾薩斯&勃根地白酒~

The well-known vintage regions of middle-north France are Alsace and Burgundy. During the season of vinification and fortification, the intoxicating exhalation of wine will be filled in the air which locals name it “the Breath of Angel.” Both of Alsace and Burgundy produce the best wines of the world, albeit there are still differences between these two areas.

The first type of vintage grape in Alsace was Pinot noir which is used to vintage wine, since the grapes such as Riesling and Muscat and etc. Most part of winery in Alsace converted to product straw wine instead of wine. As to Burgundy, during 14th to 15th century the forth duke established and ruled this region as the powerful archduchy. In order to maintain the best quality of wine, he commanded people using Pinot Noir to make wine; the Gamey grape which was plenteous yet with low quality was forbidden to use. The restraining order of the duke then became the best foundation of the famous wine there.

To keep the characteristics of multi-breed single vintage wine, the Alsace vintners use most part of the grand cru and the others are from AOC. Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris are on the top three breed. The intoxicating flavor of these vintage wines sometimes is bantered as” perfume” there which also makes Alsace unique. Burgundy, on the opposite, the vintners use single breed of grape to make vintage wine. The two main stream breeds of Burgundy are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In fact, Pinot Noir is too milky to take care of, yet whose delicate flavor fits the climate the best. Chardonnay, the main character of French vintage wine, the quality and quantity are much more stabled than the “arbitrary” Pinot Noir. The vintage wine which is made of Chardonnay is easier to be ripe and durable.

Alsace is protected by mountain Vosges; therefore the climate is dry and warm. The special geographic surrounding there also causes the harvest time to be advanced. Although Alsace is nearby German, the culture of making wine is influenced by German, yet the special surrounding makes Riesling among Alsace became more affluent than in German.

The climate of Burgundy is extremely inconstant but the rains and plenty sunshine are the most factors of the grape breed there. Speaking of Burgundy, the most famous place is the Cote de Nuit (Hill of the Night). The 1er Cru (the best quality) breeds on the top hill of the mountain; the Grand Cru (the choice quality) is at the waist of the hill; at the foot of the hill are usually Village AOC and Burgundy AOC.

The vintage wine is not as acidulous as red wine, when you are having a dinner with white meat, the vintage wine could be the fittest of choice. Besides Alsace and Burgundy produce choice vintage wine, there are many other area also vinify distinctive vintage wines, red wines and champagnes. Next time while you get the chance to taste the delicate wine, do not forget how different cultures and geographies make a cup of wine so unique.