B for Belgium, Brussels and… Bordeaux! The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles takes up residence at Vinexpo |
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For the first time in its long history, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles organised a special evening in the prestigious surroundings of Château Malartic-Lagravière in the Pessac-Léognan (Bordeaux) on the eve of Vinexpo. A symbolic setting for an unusual evening with a Belgian theme which provided an opportunity to showcase a selection of the best wines from the 2011 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Around 100 growers awarded a gold medal or grand gold medal were given the chance to present their wines to the 250 guests from all strands of the industry – journalists, sommeliers, winemakers and other wine personalities from around the globe. “It is essential for us to share these moments with the wineries who place their trust in us and to allow medal-winning wines to take centre stage by giving them maximum media exposure”, explained Vinopres and Concours Mondial chairman, Baudouin Havaux. “It is also a prime opportunity to turn the spotlight on Belgium and Brussels which have always had a unique relationship with the world of wine, Bordeaux in particular”. The buffet was, understandably, Belgian with Ardennes ham and other cold cuts, Orval cheese, maatjes (herrings), Bru mineral water and… Belgian beer (white beer from Namur). A genuine Belgian chip shop was even set up alongside the winery, giving the famous Bordeaux château a real feel of Brussels’ Grand Place! The Vinomagazine (published by Vinopres) award for the 2010 Belgian Wine Personality was presented by Baudouin Havaux to Château Malartic-Lagravière owner Alfred Bonnie for his outstanding achievements in the world of wine. 2010 was indeed an excellent vintage for the man who restored Château Malartic-Lagravière to its former glory and has made Château Gazin-Roquencourt rise to even greater heights. Last year saw the official opening of his 110-hectare bodega near Mendoza in the foothills of the Andes mountain range. The Concours Mondial has a strong presence at this year’s Vinexpo (Hall 1-DE262). It is also organising a press conference for the latest addition to the family – the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon – on Wednesday 22 at 11AM at Restaurant des Bordeaux et Bordeaux Supérieur. The results of the 2011 competition will be presented as will summaries of the round table debates organised during the competition, the first on the technical issue of white wine ageing and oxidation by Denis Dubordieu, followed by a second one moderated by David Cobbold on marketing Sauvignon blanc and growing its popularity.
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles Founded in 1994, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles has since then attained the status of a world wine tasting championship. The 7,400 wines and spirits competing from around the globe represent combined sales in excess of 500 million bottles. The trade-only judging panel consists of foremost international experts. It represents almost forty nationalities and this diversity contributes to the uniqueness of the event. Only those wines and spirits that have achieved the highest scores are eligible for the prestigious medals. Since 2006, the Concours Mondial has decided to broaden its international scope and is organised outside Belgium. Lisbon, Maastricht, Bordeaux, Valencia and Sicily have all provided a prestigious backdrop for the tastings. The 19th Concours Mondial de Bruxelles will be held from May 4 to 6, 2012 in Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal and Vinhos Verdes and 2012 European Capital of Culture. |
