Rodolphe Wartel
RODOLPHE WARTEL. SAINT-EMILION WINES, BACK TO BASICS
On a visit to Hong Kong for the Vinexpo Asia Pacific fair, this passionate journalist explains what make Saint-Emilion wines unique.
Paroles de passionnés
Rodolphe Wartel
RODOLPHE WARTEL IS THE DIRECTOR OF TERRE DE VINS MAGAZINE.
SAINT-EMILION, BETWEEN DREAM AND HUMILITY
“What is fascinating in Saint-Emilion”, Rodolphe Wartel starts, it’s “the diversity and microcosm”. Indeed, in this relatively narrow space, “where there is the wine and the stones, the vines and the heritage”, live together “the small winemaker” and the one whose wines “create dreams at the other end of the world”. In Hong Kong particularly, Saint-Emilion wines make people dream, as they’re associated to “French culture and a certain idea of what France is like”. More simply, Rodolphe Wartel says he is moved by some winemakers “so close to the land”, and who speak “brilliantly and humbly of wine, of the earth”.
SIMPLE FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
The Terre de Vins director advocates a return to simplicity when it comes to tasting and food and wines pairings. He thinks we should “get rid of complex and sacred images, so everyone can have access to Saint-Emilion wines”. Those “cultural, strong and elegant” wines are not to be drunk at grand dinners only. To pair them, we can think of the traditional beefsteak. More audacious, Rodolphe Wartel remembers an aperitif recently shared with friends: ”crunchy green asparagus with parmesan, served with a glass of Saint-Emilion, it was great”. And Rodolphe Wartel concludes: “Why make things complicated with wine, it is sometimes very simple!”