Decanter talks exclusively to Hervé Berland, managing director of Château Montrose, about his involvement in the first Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter, which takes place at The Ritz Carlton in Shanghai on Saturday 29th November.
How much are you looking forward to the Fine Wine Encounter and why?
I am very much looking forward to the first ever Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in Shanghai. Having actively participated Decanter’s London Encounters over many years, I know it’s going to be very professional and great fun. That’s why it has got the top names from the wine world taking part.
Which wines will you be showing at your masterclass?
I have chosen three really TOP vintages, which are all recognised as being major achievements for the estate : 2009, 2003, 1990. All three are now part of the legends of Chateau Montrose.
How pleased are you with the 2014 vintage in Bordeaux this year? What sort of wines will it produce?
If only we could enjoy the same conditions at harvest time every year ! We had all the time we needed to reach ideal maturity in every parcel. The grape skins were richly coloured and thicker than usual and the tannins are extremely fine and intense. The wines we are starting to taste in the vats confirm a remarkable potential for refinement and elegance. We should not be too far off the very best!
How much difference will your fantastic new cellars make to quality?
The new cellars are ideal in size and technical equipment. In addition, we now have two large barrels cellars and we can age each vintage for 18 to 20 months without having to move the barrels. But quality is not just a matter of new facilities, and we will continue to fine tune our work in the vineyard and during the vinification. The quest for excellence is a matter of constant attention to every single detail.
When did you first visit Shanghai and what is your favourite part of the City?
My first visit to Shanghai was about 8 years ago and I have been back several times since a few times. Unfortunately, I never have enough time to really visit the city, which is a shame. But it definitely has the charm of a southern city mixing the past and the present very harmoniously.
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Herve Berland will be presenting a special ‘Meet the producers’ session involving a tutored tasting of Château Montrose wines at the Decanter Shanghai Fine Wine Encounter on Saturday 29th of November.
For more information click here or to book tickets click here.
Written by Georgina Hindle
