dbHK launches Château La Grâce Dieu Des Prieurs masterclass

A masterclass led by Master Sommelier, Darius Allyn, and the director at Saint-Emilion estate, Château La Grâce Dieu Des Prieurs, will be held on 13 February in Hong Kong to shine a light on the rare combination of wine and Russian fine art.

Art Russe wine collection combines Russian art and fine wine

This will be the first masterclass for the Saint-Emilion grand cru estate in Asia, showcasing the first three vintages released by the estate under the ownership of Russian entrepreneur Andrey Filatov.

Purchased by Filatov in 2014, the once humble Saint-Emilion domaine has since undergone a facelift with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel helming the winery renovation, as well as a quality transformation in the cellar with Merlot expert Louis Mitjavile overseeing winemaking.

What perhaps sets the château most apart from its neighbours is its promotion of Russian art through its wines. 

Starting in 2017, the labels of all Château La Grace Dieu Des Prieurs wines bear reproductions of paintings from the collection of the Art Russe Foundation, which was founded by Filatov in 2012, creating what’s known as the ‘Art Russe’ collection.

The collection represents a unique collaboration between a world-renowned collection of Russian and Soviet art dating primarily from 1917 to 1991 (The Art Russe Foundation), and Château La Grace Dieu Des Prieurs.

Award-winning architect Jean Nouvel was charged with designing and renovating Château La Grâce Dieu Des Prieurs

The masterclass to be held in Hong Kong on 13 February at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel will be the first masterclass held by the winery in Asia, showcasing a harmonious marriage of both art and wine.

It will also mark the launch of the 2016 vintage of the estate’s grand vin. The wine, made from grapes grown from 8ha vineyards is always aged in the same type of barrels called ‘Radoux Blend’ with the same level of toast. This is said to be able to better capture vintage differences in wine while maintaining the same ageing conditions. 

The Master Sommelier will also guide guests through a few back vintages including the 2014 and 2015 vintages, and discuss the differences between the vintages and the way in which they have developed over time.

The masterclass will be joined by the château’s director Laurent Proseperi, who was hired by Filatov to manage the estate after a long career in the hospitality industry.

Founded in 1885, Château La Grace Dieu des Prieurs means ‘saved by the grace of God’s abbots’.

Please click here to register for the masterclass. 

Time: 10am-12noon, 13 February (Wednesday)

Venue: Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel, Wanchai