Germany ~ Mosel ~

I was happy to see the vineyard in Mosel, because I have learned there are steep mountains in Mosel, so it means that workers have strict conditions to pick up grapes.  The workers need life ropes in some cases.  Therefore, I can understand the reason why the price of wine is expensive.  Especially, foreign products which far from us like wine is difficult to understand the reason of cost, but everything has reasons.  Even so steep, the view of mountains and river shined by sun was so beautiful.   We visited Dr. Loosen ( http://www.drloosen.com/index.php ) and Markus Molitor ( http://www.markusmolitor.com/ ).  Mr.Loosen explained us by himself about their 11kinds of wines and vineyard.   1) 2010 Dr. L Riesling trocken 2) 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling GG 3) 2010 Urziger Wurzgarten "Alte Reben" Riesling GG 4) 2010 Erdener Pralat "Alte Reben" Riesling GG 5) 2010 Bernkastel Lay Riesling Kabinett 6) 2010 Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabonett 7) 2010 Urziger Wurtgarten Riesling Spatlese 8) 2010 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 9) 2010 Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 10) 2006 Dr. Loosen Riesling Beerenauslese 11) 2008 Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Eiswein.  We understood well how workers select grapes for grading while picking.  After enjoying tasting at Dr.Loosen, we visited to taste 10 kinds of wines at Markus Molitor.  On the way back to Rüdesheim, we run along the Rhine river by coach with watching historical castles, steep sided vineyards and the Loreley rock.  Those views were quite different from Scotland where I had looked at.        

By the way, when I visit and hear about wine from owners of winery directly, I suppose that a good winery (company) is that the owner who knows the process, logic and worker's responsibilities well manage the winery.  I sometimes talked with managers of companies, some of them assert that the role of managers control a organization or archive their targets, so they do not need to know the technical logic, the manager is a conductor as an example.  It is certain that managers especially in giant corporations may be difficult to obtain skills to make products, but they should know about the logic.  The conductor must be studied well to obtain knowledge.  In my opinion, someone can not understand the technical logic, there is no qualification of managers.  Hopefully, I want to be a well-known person or to know a company fundamentally well.  That is not only a company but also everything.  No need to look good cosmetically.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Germany ~ Rüdesheim, Rheingau ~

Finally, we arrived at Rudesheim where is the last place of our plan.  Rudesheim is historical and tourist place registered as a world heritage.  Firstly, we visited Georg Breuer ( http://www.georg-breuer.com/ ) and tasted 8 kinds of wines at the underground tasting place.  1) 2010 GB Rouge 2) 2009 Spatburgunder 3) 2010 GB Sauvage 4) 2009 Rudesheim Estate 5) 2009 Rauenthal Estate 6) 2009 Terra Montosa 7) 2009 Nonnenberg 8) 2009 Berg Schlossberg.  After tasting, we visited their brewery.

Secondly, we visited Kloster Eberbach which ( http://kloster-eberbach.de/ ) was founded in 1136 by St.Bernhard of Clairvaux.  Their abbey, vineyard and brewery was so sophisticated and huge.  The abbey was locale of the film in name of Le Nom de la Rose, played by Sean Connery.  In 2003, this winery established the private company to make a profit.  We tasted 7 kinds of wine there, and visited their latest modern brewery which I have never seen.  They explained the facility is gentle for workers at underground, because workers can get the sun light.  The winery also mentioned that the sun light are calculated not to damage on wine..












The last of the day, I could meet a wonderful wine which are made by Eva Fricke( http://www.evafricke.com/evaFricke_en.html ) at the Koetherhof in Kiedrich.  Unfortunately, I could not visit her winery, but I felt her character and passion, feminine and sturdy effected on her wines.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Germany ~ Pfaltz ~

We visited two wineries of Pfaltz.  The first one was VON BUHL ( http.://www.reichsrat-von-buhl.de/ ).  This winery is exported to Japan well, so someone may have a look and taste once.  I think this cost performance are good.  We could tasted 5 kinds of wine there.  1) 2009er Reichsrat von Buhl Riesling Sekt b.A. -brut 2) 2010er VON BUHL Riesling QbA-dry which wine was elected to the 1st prize of Neustadt 3) 2010er UNGEHEUER FORST Riesling Grosses Gewachs - dry 4) 2010er JESUITENGARTEN FORST Riesling Spatlese - noble sweet 5) 2008er Reichsrat von Buhl Spatburgunder Rotwein QbA - dry

The second winery was Weingut Friedrich Becker ( http://www.friedrichbecker.de/param/1/startseite.html ).  We tasted 7 kinds of wine there.  Their making red wine may be made in the most northern place in the world.  Fortunately, we could visit their vineyard and see the grape of gewurttraminer.  We were learned which botrytis cinerea is good or not to make sweet wine.  It was obvious that grapes like a raisin is a good grape for making it.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Germany ~ Barden ~

In the afternoon, we went on the whirlwind visit to a winery in Barden, Germany, in the name of Weingut BERNHARD HUBER ( http://www.weingut-huber.com/ ).  There was so beautiful countryside.  We quickly tasted 10 kinds of wine there: 1) Sekt blended Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir,  2) Malterdinger 2009 PN,  maturation for 12 months in barriques from 12 to 20Y old vineyard 3) Alte Reben 2009 PN V.V. Vinification of 18 months in barriques from 20 to over 40 years old 4) Sommerhalde 2008 PN, Vinification of 18 months in barriques, red chalybeate soil, nerved by shell lime, big fruit 5) Schlossberg 2008 PN, Vinification of 18 months in barriques (yellow shell lime) chalk, warm deep, full bodied 6) Alte Reben 2002 PN 7) Malterdinger Bienenberg Auxerrois Kabinett 2010, Fresh, fruity, and light dry wine from the pinot family 8) Grauer Burgunder 2010, Vinification in stainless steel tanks, enchanting acidity, elegant and full-bodied at the same time 9) Malterdinger Weinkomposition 2009, Cuvee of Weuber Burgunder (Pinot Blanc) and Freisamer (Sylvaner x Pinot Gris), dry, vinification of 12 months in barriques 10) Malterdinger Bienenberg Muskateller Kabinett 2010, Fruity, explosive flavour.  Lastly, they take us to the brewery and a special cave, and served a special wine.  Their winery was really heart warming, so if we had a enough time, we could have enjoyed wines further....

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Alsace ~ Strasbourg & Colmar ~

After visiting Reims, we went to Strasbourg ( http://www.strasbourg.eu//accueil ) to visit Alsace wine route.  Strasbourg is also historical place, and we visited Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg ( http://www.cathedrale-strasbourg.fr/ ).  The canal flow though the city decorated by flowers, and the town view was so beautiful.  We enjoyed Tarte Flambee such as pizza and beer.  Last night, we had a dinner at Au Crocodile ( http://www.au-crocodile.com/ ), one stared by Michelin.  It seems that they try to create new essences such as Japanese taste "YUZU".  Their taste was a little salty for me, but I thought Alsace located in northern place may tend to prefer salty like Tohoku, Japan.  By the way, the bird of city is Oriental stork: KONOTORI in Japanese which is called a fortune bird, so we could see them and their nest on the roof at many places.

After staying in Strasbourg, we went for Colmar.  The Alsace wine road ( http://www.alsace-route-des-vins.com/ ) start from western Strasbourg to Mulhouse, the length is approximately 170km.  Some small villages are also famous for flower which are decorated beautifully.  Alsace region wine is made of white grapes, mainly Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Muscat.  Especially, Gewürztraminer have strong flavour characters such as rose and litchee.  The character of Alsace wine tend to be fermented by old and large cask.

We quickly visited two wineries, Marcel Deiss  ( http://www.marceldeiss.com/ ), and Josmeyer ( http://www.josmeyer.com/index.php?entrer=1&langue=en ), and one cellar door, Hugel ( http://www.hugel.com/ ).  When we visited there, they are in working state of pressure.  Marcel Deiss is famous for cultivation of grapes, so sometimes, breeding by crossing are created naturally.  According to their brochure, current wine maker, Jean-Michel Deiss manage the domaine of 26 hectares of hillside vineyards spread over 9 communes and approximately 20 km.  Then he has focused on producing complexity and concentration, and the results reach to three broad categories: Fruits, Terroirs, and Temps.  We could taste 6 kinds of wines there.

Josmeyer is also a family winery and has brewed since 1854.  They begun the way of organic and bio dynamic from 2000.  We could tasted 5 kinds of wines there, and their label was sophisticated design.  The Hugel is pioneers of wine growing in Alsace, and they have managed since 1639.  We tasted 7 kinds of wines, 1) Riesling Tradition 2007 2) Pinot Gris Tradition 2008 3) Gewurztraminer Tradition 2008 4) Pinot Noir Jubilee 2007 5) Pinot Gris Jubilee 2005 6) Pinot Noir Jubilee 2007 7) Gewurztraminer Selection de Grain Nobles 2005.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Reims ~ The city of Champagne ~

I have visited five domaine in Reims, a city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France, lies 129 km (80 miles) east-northeast of Paris by wikipedia. The city is historical big city and famous for production district of champagne ( http://www.ville-reims.fr/index.php?id=721 ) ( http://www.reims-tourism.com/Default.aspx?base ). The most interesting thing in Reims was that I could see the various size of champagne companies from a giant corporation under LVMH group to a family winery such as Dom Perignon ( http://www.domperignon.com/ ) and Andre Beaufort, respectively.   I would not forget Mr. Beaufort's gentle and sturdy smile.  It is certain that he loves champagne. 

We could see that the height of grape trees in Reims are low in comparison with other places.  Then, there are many types of process and methods of making wines.  Those are all depend on wine companies and maker's strategies, and capitals.  It is interesting things that good tasting wines are not depends on capitals only.  Wines tend to be based on many factors such as human, climates, geologic conditions, facilities and others.  That is one of reasons which I love wines.  Although winemakers looks peaceful and calm, but probably, they know how to live with nature.  Therefore, they can take long term risks.  This is a first time for me to visit wineries  in Europe, so every things attracted me from making wines to aging.  I can not write here since I have learned too many things... Lastly, I shall show you five domaine which I visited:

The first one was Pierre Paillard ( http://www.champagne-pierre-paillard.fr/ ).  Their winery was located in Bouzy, Montage de Reims.  Current winemaker is still young, but their family have managed winery for a long time.  We tasted 5 kinds of champagne: 1) 2007 2) 2007 Blanc de Noir 3) 2007 Blanc de Blanc 4) 2002 5) Rose. 

The second one was Andre Beadfort.  They are also small boutique winery.  The winemaker provided us 10 kinds of champagne.  1) VINIFIE DANS NOS CAVES A POLISY 2006 BRUT 2) VINIFIE DANS NOS CAVES A POLISY 2005 BRUT 3) VINIFIE DANS NOS CAVES A POLISY 1996 BRUT 4) ELABORE PAR SAINT JEAN-BAPTISIE 2005 5) VINIFIE DANS NOS CAVES A POLISY 2002 6) ELABORE PAR SAINT JEAN-BAPTISIE 1996 7) Rose 8) VINIFIE DANS NOS CAVES A POLISY Demi Sec 1996 9) ELABORE PAR SAINT JEAN-BAPTISIE Demi Sec 1996 10) ELABORE PAR SAINT JEAN-BAPTISIE Rose Doux.  His every wine were kindness like his character.

The third one was Bollinger ( http://www.champagne-bollinger.com/ ) which has the largest vineyard in Champagne.  Their specific character is the usage of barrique at the first fermentation.  We tasted two kinds of champagne, Special cuvee: sepages are 60% of PN, 25% of CH and 15% of PM. and Rose.

The forth one was Veuve Clicquot ( http://www.veuve-clicquot.com/en ) which Madam Clicquat contributed to be a large company.  Wine goods such as bags and holders which they provide attract latest madams. i.e. their marketing by huge capital has probably operated successfully.  I suppose that it is the important role to increase wine lovers.  We could taste still wine, PN, PM and CH before sepages, and magnum bottle of the yellow label.  That was a great experience. 

The last one was Dom Perignon which sepages are disclosed by brewers.  We tasted 2002, and had a really precious time.  Their cave was extremely huge, and the vast number of champagne bottles are stocked.  The cave's wall made of lime stone which character stabilize humidity to keep wine in the good condition, and the cave is the largest size in the world, allover length is 28km!  We also visited Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, the tomb of Dom Perigon.  On that day, the weather was fine, so we could enjoy a wonderful views!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Trier ~ wine tasting session ~

I followed my wine teacher to tasting Riesling wine in Trier where is the oldest city in Germany and lies along the river of Mosel ( http://www.trier-info.de/english/index ).  We can see Roman Monuments, Cathedral of St. Peter and Church of Our Lady there, and those architectures are also a designated World Heritage site. 

That wine tasting session was held by VDP ( http://www.vdp.de/en/vdp-praedikat-wine-estates/ ) .  Thirty wineries presented new vintages of Riesling Wine and  old vintages for auction.  I have never tasted such kinds of Riesling wines, so I was so excited to do it.  However, the character of Riesling has wide ranges from Kabinett to Eiswein, so I have to care to choice which wines we should have first.  Actually, it is difficult for me to understand German wine regulation because it is so complicated.  Although I could not taste all, my favorite wines were Weingut Joh. Jos. Prum ( http://www.pruemwein.de/html/j_j__prum.html ) which was clear acidity and mild, Weingut Egon Muller-Scharzhof und Le Gallais ( http://www.scharzhof.de/ ) which was balanced well, and weingut Fritz Haag ( http://www.weingut-fritz-haag.de/ ).  I may have images of vineyards name a little...

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Quick Paris

I have visited Paris only a half day.  At this time, I flighted from East-midland airport to Paris by BMI baby ( http://www.bmibaby.com/bmibaby/flights/home.aspx ) which is Low-Cost Carrier.  Actually, it takes about 1 hour and cost 60 pounds.  I strongly recommend this!

At this time, I walked Montmartre, and visited Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, and saw the appearance of Moulin Rouge.  Those place was famous for tourists places, so there are lots of tourists.  It seems that more than half of them looks from East Europe.  I had different impressions from the previous visitation.  By the way, it is certain that we can obtain delicious delicatessen and baguette everywhere in Paris.  Last night, I could have a wonderful dinner and wine at Bistro ( I had forgotten the name of restaurant..Cocagne Sarl???).

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Cycling in Leicester

I visited Good Food Fair of The Belgrave Hall ( http://www.leicester.gov.uk/foodfair/ ) where takes 25min from our residential area by bike.  There are approx. 40 stalls such as Indian foods, home-made jams, vegetables, local beers and other shops in the museum houses and gardens.  Most shops provided organic and home-made foods.  Everyone looks relax and enjoying Sunday.  We had a samosa by Bobbys ( http://www.eatatbobbys.com/ ), a bottle of lager beer by Tunnel Brewery ( http://www.tunnelbrewery.co.uk/ ), chicken sandwich by Fosse Meadows Farm ( http://fossemeadows.com/ ), a good tasted coffee ( http://www.muddyroots.co.uk/ ) and so on.  Actually, we had eaten for 2 hours....awful..  Especially, the labels of lager beer bottles were pasted abstract painting, so I was absorbing the bottle.

After that, we went to Watermead Country Park ( http://www.leics.gov.uk/country_parks_watermead ) further.  There is suitable courses for cycling around the lake and besides the canals.  Although cycling is very good exercises for me, I must be aching muscle.....  In the middle of cycling, it had started raining...after this picture...

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Traditional Japanese Teas

After finishing final exams, I provide Japanese traditional teas and sweets for some friends.  I started learning it, when I was 23 years old.  My tradition is The Urasenke of Tea ( http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/index.html ).  Japanese teas were brought from China in 12 s.c. and Rikyu accomplished the basic traditional Japanese tea style.  Then, Japanese tea culture was used to do among samurais.  Eventually, Japanese Tea culture developed as enrichment lessons among girls before marriages in recent period. 

Until latest June, I kept learning the teas.  My teachers age is over 85, but she is still active, polite and feminine, so I like and respect her very much.  When I talked to someone that I have learned Tea culture more than 13 years, most people ask me why I learn it so long time.  I have learned many complicated methods of Japanese traditional teas.  However, the most important thing is spirits for providing teas to someone.  Of course, guests have to know hospitality's minds and appreciate how much hosts select teas and seasonal tools for guests such as teas, tools, flowers, pictures and sweets.  We have to learn those subjects for teas.  Unfortunately, even some Japanese do not know such a manner, but I think that it is important manners fundamentally to communicate with people.  Therefore, it is certain that I would not complete the spiritual lesson and would have life long learning.  According to Rikyu, "Make a satisfying bowl of tea; Lay the charcoal so that the water boils efficiently; Provide a sense of warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer; Arrange the flowers as though they were in the field; Be ready ahead of time; Be prepared in case it should rain; Act with utmost consideration toward your guests".  Some friends who saw the traditional tea at the first time seems excited, because Japanese traditional ways are so sensitive and taste is creamy not usage of cappuccino milk!  It is my pleasure that I can provide my favorite teas.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

BBC Prom73

After the presentation, I went to London.  The purpose was to go to Proms.  Before going Proms, I went to the Berkeley Hotel ( http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashion-afternoon-tea.aspx )  to have afternoon teas at the caramel room.  Their afternoon teas are stylish and famous for sweets designed pret-a-porter fashion.  Although I tried to reserve a seat in advance, but their seats have already full-booked.  I listed on a waiting list, but I could not receive contact, so I tried to go to the hotel directly, and explained the situation.  A gentle staff lead me to the seat comfortably.  I ordered an afternoon tea with champaign, Laurent perrier NV ( www.laurent-perrier.fr/ ), Chardonney 45%, Pinot Noir 40% and Pinot Meunier 15%.  Summer collection brands for sweets were Jil Sander, Roger Vivier, Tom Ford, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Victoria Veckham, Tory Burch, Miu Miu, and Stella McCartney.  I enjoyed too much, so I got dizzy from the lack of blood....  The room now prepare for the next design, autumn & winter collection, and Anya Hindmarch will be on listed!

Next, regarding Prom!  BBC Proms ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms ) presents an inspiring range of music performed by many of the world's leading artists.  The proms began in 1895, and original vision was to introduce the greatest classical music to the widest possible audiences, and it was founded by a conductor, Henry Wood at the Royal Albert Hall.  This events have held about 2 months during summer every year.  At first, I knew and listened from BBC on-lines, but I wanted to listen Prom and experience the hall.  I went there on the day before the final, Prom 73: Weber arr. Berlioz – Der Freischütz ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/whats-on/2011/september-09/84 ).   Of course, I enjoyed not only French music concert but also the hall where is traditional and a huge scale.  According to the concert, I could have a wonderful time and the music made me release from the stress.  In addition, I had to leave early to go back to Leicester, because I had already booked a train ticket.  I asked the staff who is an old gentleman about it.  He guided me to the seat which is near the exit.  I thought that the UK remains ladies and gentleman's identity and good old days.  I love such the UK!  Of course, we should not forget to behave as an accomplished lady...

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Presentation

On this Friday, I had a presentation in a class. Our member was made up of two Chinese girls and me, and the topic was SWOT analysis of Course D (ELTU).

First, I am not sure about SWOT analysis in details, so I started to learn about SWOT analysis and ELTU.  According to OXFORD advanced learner's dictionary, SWOT analysis is a study done by an organization in order to find its strengths and weaknesses, and what problems or opportunities it should deal with. SWOT is formed from the initial letters of ‘strengths’, ‘weaknesses’, ‘opportunities’ and ‘threats’.  When I went with studying, I had two questions.  One is the availability of SWOT analysis.  It is certain that people need to recognize and analyse each current situation and improve the problem, but we have to put the result into figures.  The other is ELTU.  I felt that it is difficult for me to know the situation and source, so I send mails to Director and Course Director in order to have interviews about it.  They gave us their valuable time, and they were smart and gentle.  We could understand well.  In addition, I asked director personally what I wanted to know about investment into IT technology.  Since before, I felt that European people is not favour to invest into IT compared with American people, and European people prefer traditional style.  Is it nationality or thinking way?  Director answered me the reason, it is doubtful of cost-benefit relationship.  It is certain that excessive advanced technology and marketing are needless.  I felt the same things when we experienced Tohoku earthquake of Japan.  Due to the shortage of electric power, some places reduced the electric light for advertisement and platform of stations.  Therefore, I supposed that we always have to consider about putting right products, right place, and right quantity.  That is the human work, otherwise, machine is enough to work because machine works smoothly without complains.  Hopefully, for two Chinese girls, these interviews were good opportunities to meet directors as experiences.  

 

Secondly, I had walls of the differences between young students and me such as English language, generations, majors, nationalities and experiences.  It was not surprising things, but I had to overcome these subjects, and build up a teamwork.  At that time, I thought a presentation which everyone could understand was given priority over analysis which I satisfied context.  Otherwise, a presentation is self-satisfaction.  I learned this from dear two girls, and I could know their attentive minds.  I am so happy to have this opportunity with them as much as anything.  I appreciate people who corporate with classmates, tutors and associates.

 

Thank you for your reading to the end.

 

 

Tigers

This is not a famous Japanese professional baseball team, Hanshin Tigers ( http://hanshintigers.jp/ ), this is a rugby football team, Leicester tigers ( http://www.leicestertigers.com/home.php ).  (Honestly, I knew for the first time that football means not only a soccer, but also a rugby...in fact, we say an american football..) Leicester tigers belongs to premiership ( http://www.premiershiprugby.com/ ) which is the highest ranked rugby football games in the UK, and won victories in 2009 and 2010!  "Leicester Football Club was formed in a meeting held in the city's George Hotel on August 1880 by the merger of three smaller teams: Leicester Societies AFC, Leicester Amateur FC and Leicester Alert" by wikipedia. (<- this is a quotation by technical dissertation...sorry.) 

On 3rd of September, 2011, the opening game of AVIVA Premiership Rugby, Leicestre Tigers VS Exeter Chiefs ( http://www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/ ), was held at home ground, Welford Road near the university of Leicester.  First, I was so surprised that many people came to see the game with wearing uniforms since I did not know their history and background.  Then, the price of a standing ticket for a student was £17.00..I thought this ticket is expensive for me, because I was not so interested in a rugby and I have never watched a rugby game...  I could really excited the game when I saw player's daring attack.  Unfortunately, the result of game was Tigers losing, 28 vs 30.  It was really the close game.  Next time, please recover today's losing!  By the way, British enthusiasm for sports looks cute, because their emotional attitudes tend to be amenable and enjoy watching sports.  It does not any helps, but my oriental animal symbol is a tiger!

Thank you for your reading to the end.

"l" & "r"

It is known well that it is quite difficult for the Japanese to pronounce "l" and "r".  Of course, it is difficult to listen it too.  Certainly, I have always imagined words from sentences and situations, not judge the difference from pronunciation.  I intend to understand the difference in my head, but I think about sentences first... Recently, I knew that most people excluding the Japanese understand that the most Japanese can not pronounce it and try to understand what I say, even classmate of Arabic and Chinese...  When I heard that, I was shocked a little, because I did not notice it.  However, I am now the middle aged, it may difficult to overcome.  By the way, I remembered olfactory perception related wine smell.  According to my wine teacher, Olfactory perception is also decided while the youth, but there is a possibility to increase threshold amount by training.  English must be the same.  In particular, conversation is necessary auditory perception.  In my case, it is a kind of disability of language.. Actually, many people advise me how to pronounce them kindly.  Therefore, I will start training it...I will introduce to some Japanese a useful site which I learned at the class( http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/sounds/con_other_6.shtml ).  I have checked some sites about this problem such as You Tube and other sites, but this is the most useful site for me.  In general, we may be able to communicate with foreigners what we want to say without regard to pronounce, but this is my subjects.  Some friendly native speakers also taught me the practice sounds, "Round and round the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran!"

Thank you for your reading to the end.