The Vintage Port Academy was launched with much fanfare in Hong Kong on the 9th of November. The launch activities included two masterclasses for the F&B industry, a media tasting of 18 vintage ports from the last decade produced by Grahams', Fonseca, Dow's, Warre's, Croft's and Taylor's.  More tha n 200 wine lovers attended the consumer Port tasting at La Loggia in the IFC. 

Participants sat a short examination at the VPA Masterclasses. The top student, Chan Ka Wo of Wine Connection was awarded a rare six bottles case of 2000 Vintage Ports fromGrahams', Fonseca, Dow's, Warre's, Croft's and Taylor's. His winning answer to question: How do you convince a friend who had never drunk Port before to try it? 

"There are many ways to enjoy Port wines, from an aperitif to an after dinner wine.  If it is a dry style one wants, try a dry white Port served chilled before a meal.  This would make a great aperitif.  Or have a red Port after dinner with dessert or on its own.  Especially so just have a glass of vintage Port to savour and to round off a perfect dinner.  It would be most pleasurable just to sit on the sofa with a glass of Port and forget all the worries!"

Wine lovers at the consumer tasting in La Loggia were served:
• Garham's 1994 Vintage Port with Mini Melanine (dark chocolate, raspberry puree, chocolate sponge cake);
• Graham's 40 Year Old Tawny with Mixed smoked duck breast, assorted dried fruits & nuts mini tart with hazelnut dressing;
• Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny with Foie gras terrine on brioche with fresh fig, melon skewers;
• Taylor's 1985 Vintage Port with Cheese platter, and mini vol au vent of black pepper venison

Simon and Michel Bettane joined the MC stage at Wickens and Co launch party in the Mandarin Oriental. The two wine specialists exchanged stories and historical insights into famous Chateaux. Somewhat controversial, Simon asked Michel 'Are there any FAKE WINES in the world?' Michel promptly replied, 'Yes and I still have bottles of 47 Cheval Blanc in my cellar which I know is fake! Buy only from reputable source and people that you trust!' was the French wi ne master's advice.

'En Primeur is a stupid system' That sums up Michel Bettane's view of the century old Bordeaux practice of tasting unfinished wines. The world's greatest French wine expert also points out that it is even more ludicrous to based and value one's buying decision on just one tasting. 'The wine is always changing, it changes even more when it is young, how is it possible to make a accurate assessment and a 'score' to a wine' It is not only unfair and it is not a wise decision.

This article was written by Simon because Michel and Thierry were not available.
Click here for more Bettane & Desseauve's answers to 2009 Bordeaux questions

Last month's question: In which Asian city will you find this dish? The answer Abalone Sashimi from Seoul, Korea. The winner is Airey Wong . Congratulations Airey, you have won a mystery bottle from Simon's cellar.

This month's question: Which family and in which year did the current owner acquired Chateau Pavie?

Prize: bottle of wine from Simon's cellar (with all his global wine travel, you know you'll be in for a treat!)

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