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A taste of ‘Freedom’
Are you quite at sea when it comes to buying or serving wine? Never know which wine to order? This week, The Sunday Times launches an easy to understand wine guide, "Wines - A Journey of Discovery".

Every fortnight we will bring you tips from the best wine experts in the island who will share their expertise, knowledge, and experience on what to buy, where to buy and at what price.

Knowledge of wines is a mark of refinement and sophistication, a culture by itself. The world of wine is constantly changing and this new column is designed to help you keep up with the latest trends in wines.

People enjoy wines for different reasons. The social drinkers may take the occasional glass when it is offered, content to settle for the house wine at restaurants which is served from a open carafe.

Then there are the wine experts, interested in selling their own brands, who make the subject so complicated with their talk of labels, vintages and years. The others are the real connoisseurs who have so much enthusiasm for the subject of wine, that they spend much of their leisure collecting wines, comparing vintages, visiting vineries and reading the latest reviews.

A modest hobby
Needless to say, drinking wine is an art. The sophistication and complexity of the subject and the availability of fabulous wines have inspired many to pursue the understanding of wines and go to great lengths to master it.

But it need not be so; all wines need not be taken seriously. If you know the basics, you can begin to enjoy it. No one needs to tell you what is good and bad - ultimately it is you who will become your own master. And armed with a bit of knowledge you can be on your way to a truly fascinating hobby.

Cubby Wijetunge, Chairman of several public quoted companies is a wine enthusiast known for his well-stocked wine cellar. "It is a modest hobby. I visit vineyards all over the world regularly, simply to acquire the best and add to my collection. I take as much pleasure in collecting as in sharing and tasting with someone who appreciates a good wine," says he.

His advice to the readers is that the subject of wine is a continuous study. "My interest in wine started way back when I was working at Ceylon Cold Stores on my first visit to Switzerland. I owe much to my friend and guru on wines Fritz Wey of Globus, one of the best known F&B chains in Switzerland," says Cubby. Fritz Wey, Cubby adds, has a marked preference for the white wine from Switzerland and the Alsace Region."

Whilst highly respecting the noble wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, he feels that the new wines from Australia and South Africa are gaining dominance around the world. There are also he says, some excellent sparkling wines from New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia and Spain. And Cubby's own favourite white wine? It is ‘Saint Saphorim’ pronounced (Saint Saphra) from Switzerland.

Cubby keeps up with the ever changing world of wines by reading, tasting and enjoying a glass of wine with his meals.

Advice on pouring wines
His expert knowledge on wines is sought by some of the leading hotels in Colombo.
With regard to pouring wines or table wines - the art of serving has changed. Earlier when a diner ordered wine by the glass - the wine was served and brought to the table.

Now the practice is to show the bottle of wine to the diner and to pour it into the glass in his presence. Says Cubby, "This establishes the credibility of the house wine." As customers we can request this service before it is served.

Cubby's special
Cubby's favourite red wine is from Australia. Called ‘Freedom’, it is made from the Shiraz grape from The Langmeil Vinery, Australia. The vineyard that produces ‘Freedom’ dates back over 160 years and produces around 2 1/2 tons of ‘Freedom’ per annum.

This name has an interesting history behind it. The story goes that the first German Lutheran settlers came to Australia because of persecution, political turmoil and war looking for freedom of worship, peace and contentment. This wine is a tribute to their forefathers and so named ‘Freedom’.

This wine, Cubby says, is so special that it can be kept for 25 years. It is easily one of the best Shiraz in the world and not available in the retail or wholesale trade.

Ladies' choice
Another bestseller from the Langmeil Valley is ‘Bella Rouge’. A more modern wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape from the Barossa Valley, it is light, crisp and lovely in colour and comes in a most beautifully shaped bottle.

Bella Rouge is ideal for our hot tropical weather, and excellent for serving during the day. It could be served as an aperitif before dinner or with lunch (it goes well with any spicy food and curry). This wine should be served chilled at 14 degrees centigrade.

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