New vintage released

Marsovin has released the seventh vintage of the Grand Maitre, a wine produced in exceptionally limited quantities from hand picked, selected grapes harvested from the privately owned single estate of Ghajn Rihana.

This year's vintage is being dedicated to Grand Master Pierre de Monte and marks the seventh anniversary of the launch of the treasured wine.

Pierre de Monte headed the Knights of St John between 1568 and 1572 and was responsible for moving the Seat of the Convent, the centre body of the Order, from Vittoriosa to Valletta, thus following Grand Master La Valette's plans.

The estate of Ghajn Rihana is situated between the hills of Bidnija and Wardija. A blend made up of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this year's Grand Maitre is a well-structured, balanced wine, with an aromatic bouquet and an extraordinary aging potential, Marsovin said.

Only 7,780 individually numbered bottles were produced this year, making the sale of this wine strictly limited. Bookings for the Grand Maitre will be available as from Monday from the Marsovin Cellars. To acquire a bottle of this year's vintage, wine lovers are encouraged to call Vanessa Mizzi at Marsovin on 2366 2446, at their earliest.

Speaking at the launch at Marsovin Cellars on Wednesday, Jeremy Cassar, general manager of Marsovin sales and distribution and great grandson of Marsovin's founder Anthony Cassar, said it was with great pride that Marsovin was launching this particular vintage.

He pointed out that a whole collection of the Grand Maitre wines was very rare and Marsovin has overseas clients who book their wine early to avoid disappointment. Last year, a bottle of the 1998 vintage sold for Lm280, proving that buying the Grand Maitre also makes a wise investment.

Following the tasting ceremony Jaime Cremona, president of the Sovereign Military Order of St John (Malta), was presented with an annual donation, based on last year's Grand Maitre sales.