With a population of ca. 560,000 and covering just under 2,600 sq km, Luxembourg – officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – is the 7th smallest country in Europe by area. Surrounded by Germany, Belgium and France, Luxembourg is in the very heart of Europe, both geographically and historically.
Part of the Roman Republic and later on Roman Empire, modern-day Luxembourg was ruled by a succession of Frankish kingdoms (the Franks were a Germanic tribe) as Late Antiquity gave way to the Early Middle Ages. From the High Middle Ages to the Late Middle Ages, Luxembourg gradually evolved from a country into a duchy. It was the seat of the powerful House of Luxembourg, which completed against the House of Hohenstaufen and House of Wittelsbach for the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, until the unstoppable rise of the House of Habsburg.
Occupied by Revolutionary France, Luxembourg was re-established as a Grand Duchy in 1815 by the Treaty of Paris, following the second abdication of Napoléon Bonaparte. From 1815 to 1839, it was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. On 19 April 1839, both Belgium and Luxembourg seceded from the union. From 1659 to 1839, three successive partitions of Luxembourg by Germany, Belgium and France drastically reduced Luxembourg’s territory by some 75% from ca. 10,700 sq km.
Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy – defined as a sovereign state whose head bears the title of Grand Duke / Duchess – still in existence today. It has three officially languages: Luxembourgish (a West Germanic language, sometimes difficult to differentiate from dialects in neighbouring regions), German and French (primarily the administrative language).
Oenologically, Luxembourg comprises both French and German elements. Most of Luxembourg’s vineyards are situated in the southeast, on the left bank of the river Mosel (Moselle in French); on the other side is the Mosel region, one of Germany’s 13 wine regions, renamed from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in 2007. Grape varieties are unmistakably Germanic, although most wines are fully fermented without much residual sugar.
In terms of wine legislation, however, Luxembourg is remarkably French. The country has but one wine region, Moselle Luxembourgeoise, which may produce wines of all colours, whereas vendanges tardives, vin de glace and vin de paille are defined as speciality wines. Under the Marque Nationale system established in 1935 (one year before the French AOC system regulated by Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité in 1936), wines can be classified as Appellation Contrôlée, Vin Classé, Premier Cru and Grand Premier Cru respectively, depending on ratings they received at panel tastings.
Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Crémant de Luxembourg Cuvée Pierre NV
A blend of Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois Blanc and Chardonnay. Bright citrine with shimmering golden reflex, the refreshing nose offers grapefruit, pink apple, wet stone and lily. With crispy acidity, medium-fine mousse and clean minerality, the expressive palate delivers lemon, lime, saltine and flint. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the citrusy entry carries onto a lively mid-palate, leading to a juicy finish.
Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Crémant de Luxembourg Rosé Brut NV
A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Translucent scarlet with gleaming copper reflex, the floral nose presents cranberry, redcurrant, and fresh dough and potpourri. With abundant acidity, traces of tannins, medium-fine mousse and clear minerality, the fruit-driven palate supplies raspberry, rosehip, bouquet garni and seashell. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the flowery entry continues through an energetic mid-palate, leading to a tart finish.
Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Grand Premier Cru Wormeldange Heiligenhäuschen Pinot Blanc 2013
A single-varietal Pinot Blanc. Pastel citrine with shimmering sunglow reflex, the pristine nose effuses lemon, pomelo, fine chalk and orchard blossom. With pleasing acidity, palpable minerality and slight petillance, the focused palate emanates quince, starfruit, seashell and frangipane. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the fragrant entry evolves into a supple mid-palate, leading to a peppery finish.
Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Grand Premier Cru Wormeldange Elterberg Pinot Gris 2013
A single-varietal Pinot Gris. Luminous citrine with glowing straw reflex, the pure nose furnishes bergamot, yellow apple, fresh herbs and lemon blossom. With generous acidity, firm minerality and slight petillance, the concentrated palate provides lime, white peach, sea salt and jasmine. Medium-full bodied at 12.5%, the fleshy entry persists through a tangy mid-palate, leading to a spicy finish. Jacky I.F. Cheong
To explore the hidden side of Mosel(le), contact Ms Betty Mak of Grand Wine Cellar; W: www.grandwinecellar.com.hk; E: enquiry@gwc.com.hk; T: +852 3695 2389
Jacky I.F. Cheong is a legal professional by day and columnist by night. Having spent his formative years in Britain,
France, and Germany, he regularly writes about wine, fine arts, classical music, and politics in several languages
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