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| Swiss Wines of canton Vaud Tasting Event |
During a not-so-common wine tasting event, I met an unusual wine drinker, Dr. Sandra Lädermann-Fouquet. First, there were wines of Swiss - a wine country that Hongkong drinkers know less. Then Dr. Sandra, a Swiss physician who studied and practices traditional Chinese medicine, and is a member of WFCMS (World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies).
What made the event
enchanting were not only the Swiss wines, in which my wine-friends would be very
interested (see notes below), but also the conversations with Dr. Sandra that I
am keen to share with my better friends - many of them are non-drinkers. They are less enthusiastic of my wine journey,
while they adore my passion in wines. I
was told of the reasons why they don’t drink; among all, health is a
concern. I am no medical expert but was only
inspired when I bumped into Dr. Sandra, who is a gynaecologist as well. “Should we drink wine?” was my question.
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| "Should we drink Wine?" |
She continues, “One of the sources of free
radical is stressful lifestyle that we undergo every day. That is known as oxidative stress and is pathological
– a real source of health problem”. I
knew stress is not good to health but did not realise it is that bad. Equally true is that we are exposed to excessive
free radical from pollutions of light, air, water and food without being aware
of the extent of damages.
What’s more, “polyphenols are great in
anti-aging as they stimulate collagen and elastin, and micro-circulation. They have a primary role in skin protection
and enhance firmness of our skin”. Great
news to my lady friends! And is that why
I found French and Italian are so darn good looking, Doctor??
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| "Drink better to live older!" |
In the
end, “It has
been scientifically proved that polyphenols prevent bad mutations of
cells and limit the risk of cancer, protect us from cardio-vascular
and cerebral problems because of their properties of promoting arteries dilatation and free flow of blood.”
Her second advice is to combine health prevention with
pleasure! Indeed, having a good glass of wine is a
simple pleasure of life that I much enjoy; it is even better with good friends. In addition, that reminds me at times that surveys
showed social drinkers, who hang out and have a drink, were happier and lived
longer.
Last but not least, she condemns any excess wine drinking even with
its beneficial substances in
the first place. I can agree no more as a believer of a Chinese
wisdom, “Moderation,” plus you
should "Know your wine" and “Respect your limit.” And thank you, Dr. Sandra for giving me a
quote of Professor Roger Corder, “Drink better to live older!”
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| What wine you are drinking? |
With the rarity, I was fortunate enough to have tasted some very decent wines on the day; all came from canton Vaud (a wine region not far from border with France). Chasselas and Pinot Noir are the most planted white and red grape varietals in Swiss, 27% and 30% respectively. In terms of wine style, experienced wine lover would say Swiss wines are more delicate, or softer, lower in acidity. I’d say it’s not untrue, but the event turned out to be more exciting than expected.
Among all I tasted,
I chose three Whites, all 100% Chasselas; hoping to give a view of how diverse the
terroirs and winemaking are in Switzerland. First, a classic one,
Côté Nil,
Chateau le Rosey, light
white flora, honey aromas; touch of lemon on palate; good balance though not a
complex wine – very pleasant to drink, or as another taster described, like the
first light of the day. Then,
Domaine le Colombe, Féchy, La Côte
2013, with much more body –
rich in minerals, green apple, good acidity on palate, mouth-watering – it lingered
and encouraged me to have a fresh seafood lunch. Third,
Luc
Massy, Dezaley Chemin de Fer Grand Cru, Lavaux 2011, mix of minerals, a note of ripe pear on
nose; very round honey, nutty, hints vanilla and savoury on palate;
complex, layers of flavours, long finish; a Burgundy like style if you’d like to
compare; a wine that can age.
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| Côté Nil; Nizeré; Pinot Noir; of Chateau le Rosey (left to right) |
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| Luc Massy, Dezaley Chemin de Fer Grand Cru, Lavaux 2011 (second on left) |
For the Reds, there
were Pinot Noir and blends from Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir, Chateau le Rosey,
bright medium ruby colour; smelled like a basket of cherry and a bit boiled
candy; red berries, peppery and sweet spices in the mouth; soft tannins –
something you won’t mind drinking every day.
Two more from winemaker Patrick Fonjallaz, they are:
Jupiter Lavaux, Dezaley Grand Cru, 2012, a blend of Pinot Noir and
Diolinoir (the later is a hybrid of the former), ruby red with slight garnet tone;
ripe red berries bouquet; cherry, fresh-cut wood with hint of bitter chocolate
and good acidity on palate; nice finish; a balanced and structured wine.
Chapotannaz
Lavaux, Dezaley Grand Cru 2007, a blend of Pinot Noir, Diolinoir & Merlot
– deep ruby on sight; pronounce toasty, oak, with black fruit and a hint of
vanilla on nose; ripe black cherry, smoky wood, with slight boiled candy flavours
in the mouth. Complex layers and good
balance of wood and fruit; nicely aged.
A unique red blends that is not easy to forget.
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| Jupiter Lavaux, Dezaley Grand Cru, 2012 (right) Chapotannaz Lavaux, Dezaley Grand Cru 2007 (left) |
An honourable
mention – a Rosé, Nizeré,
Chateau le Rosey. Mr. Pierre Bouvier, owner of Chateau le Rosey, firmly yet gently, told
me it’s worth a try; honestly I am not a big fan of Rosé. It’s
made from 100% Gamay, in pale salmon colour; light red berry fragrance; a distinct but delicate red raspberry flavour, hint of lemon and mild acidity softly filled the mouth. What's a nice surprise!
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| Mr. Pierre Bouvier, owner of Chateau le Rosey (left) |
#wine #swisswine #health
#lifestyle #FrenchParadox
Office of Vaud Wine www.vins-vaudois.com
Dr. Sandra Ladermann-Fouquet, physician of Chinese medicine, member of World Federation of Chinese
Medicine Societies; co-author of book title: Etude de
gynécologie en médecine traditionnelle chinoise
(Gynecology Study on Traditonal Chinese Medicine)
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