Join us as we delve into the world of fine wines with Andreas Rudd, a distinguished Austrian wine expert. Discover his insights on wine appreciation, his favorite vintages, and tips for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Learn about the nuances of wine storage, the importance of temperature, and the evolving wine culture in Malaysia.
Andreas Rudd, a sophisticated Austrian with a flair for hospitality, is the epitome of a wine connoisseur. As the prime executive at Sheraton Imperial, his passion for wines is evident. We had the pleasure of dining with him at Villa Danielli, where he shared his extensive experience in the hospitality industry, from being a chef to a wine collector, and now an expert who trains sommeliers.
When asked about his favorite wine, Rudd's eyes light up. "Barolo, the wine for the Kings and the King of wines!" he exclaims. He recommends Italian wines, particularly Barolo, for the Malaysian palate due to their light and crisp nature, contrasting with the heavier French wines. Italian wines benefit from diverse microclimates and soils, offering a wide range of flavors and aromas. "I love my wine," he says with a twinkle in his eye, "and I intend to drink all that I collect."
Rudd emphasizes that wine appreciation is subjective. "Each one of us will smell and taste different things in the same wine," he notes. During blind tastings, tasters can comment on aspects like clarity, body, blend, alcohol content, taste, and aroma. For instance, a peach or apricot flavor might indicate a Chardonnay, while a chocolate-like tang suggests a Sauvignon. However, identifying the vintage of a wine from its bouquet alone is rare.
Rudd observes that awareness and knowledge about fine wines have become more common in Malaysian society, thanks to extensive travel, the internet, and other media. Wine is now more socially accepted as a meal accompaniment than it was a decade ago. Younger generations are also catching up, though they tend to prefer wines with higher sugar content.
When asked about his wine wish list, Rudd remains loyal to Barolo, listing all its vintages as his favorites. He also mentions Chateau Margaux, Chateau Lafite, Sauternes, and the Australian Grange. A "good year," he explains, is one with an excellent grape harvest due to favorable weather conditions, as declared by the vineyard and the government.
For those new to wine, Rudd suggests starting with whites from the New World, such as New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia. Gradually, one can move on to reds from the Old World and finally to red vintages from the New World. This progression offers a smooth transition from single wines of Europe to the blended varieties from Australia.
One of the most crucial factors in enjoying wine is proper storage, particularly temperature. Rudd laments the lack of good storage conditions in Malaysian households, where wines are often left at room temperature for extended periods. "You gift someone a fine wine, which they open two years later without chilling, only to find a vinegary liquid," he laughs. "Not only do they hate you, but they also develop a distaste for wine."
In Europe, where temperatures are generally lower, wines are stored in suitably chilled environments and monitored for age. A wine matures a certain number of years after bottling and then begins to deteriorate. Therefore, it's essential to drink wine at the right age, neither too young nor too old. Even after removing from the refrigerator, wine should rest for a while to allow its flavors to emerge.
At Sheraton, the importance of temperature is well understood. Rare wines are stored in the cellar, while those on display are kept at optimal temperatures and served in Riedel crystal glasses, which enhance the wine's characteristics. Different wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet, are served in goblets of varying shapes to bring out their unique qualities.
As our discussion with Rudd concluded, he remarked, "Every meeting with me ought to be the last meeting of the day!" We couldn't agree more, especially with the excellent white Sauvignon Blanc that kept our glasses filled. We left with valuable tips and a piece of irrefutable wine wisdom: "Drink what you like; a $2000 bottle of wine isn't worth it if it doesn't please your palate."
By understanding these statistics and insights, wine enthusiasts can better appreciate the complexities and joys of wine appreciation.
