The slopes down to the Moselle River are known for some of the best wines in the country. Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, Riesling, Rivaner and many others are grown here.
You don't see wine from Luxembourg in every shop! Firstly, of course, they drink some themselves and secondly, Belgium buys up to 80% of the annual production, leaving little for "the rest of us". Remember, it's a small country with 33% of its land area covered by forest!
Nevertheless, since 2018 we have had the pleasure of working with one of the finest in the country: Domaine Viticole Laurent & Vita Kox who live in the town of Remich - right next to the Moselle River.
Since 1909, the family has been developing the vineyard while ensuring that quality has kept pace.
Since 2012, daughter Corinne Kox has been involved in the day-to-day running of the winery. Among other things, she takes care of production, management, logistics, packaging and communication. Corinne holds a Doctor of Philosophy - Phd Molecular Biology. Heidelberg University and holds a Master Degree in Health from the University of Montpellier and the University of Manchester. Now, with her knowledge, experience and not least dynamism, she is "back on the farm" and is in the process of taking it to new heights.
Domaine Kox Higlights:
Laurent Kox was the first PRIVATE winemaker in Luxembourg to produce a Crémant. Until then, the country's production of crémants came exclusively from the cooperatives (1991).
Domaine Kox is the first winery in Luxembourg to produce a crémant WITHOUT the addition of sulfites (as of vintage 2017).
On August 5, 2020, Domaine L&R Kox launched its annual grape harvest! This is the earliest start date in the winery's history. That said, it's not a harvest of grapes for wine production, but for the first"verjuice" produced in Luxembourg. "Verjuice", you say? ... Forgotten for centuries but originally verjuice was an essential ingredient in many recipes in the Middle Ages.
Since 2019, Domaine L&R Kox has been running a pilot project on the use of phytosanitary products by drone in collaboration with Luxaviation Drone S.A.. Since 2021, the domain has been participating in a research and development project called "SESAME" (Secure and Safe Multi-Robot-Systems) with the University of Luxembourg. The task is to develop and optimize systems for multiple interconnected robots. The project is co-financed by the EU with an investment of 7 million euros.
In 2014, another experimental leap was made by investing in 2 original so-called Kvevris. A kvevri is a very large clay pot that is dug into the ground and where the wine is stored and matured. It is a traditional and ancient wine technique that originates from Georgia.
As it is clear from the above, Domaine Kox is at the forefront; a highly innovative winery that is true to both nature and old traditions.
But let's take a look at some of the delights from the large and rich assortment:
DOMAINE KOX PINOT NOIR "SANS SULFITES" 2020
An exciting Pinot Noir made without the addition of sulphites (sulphur)! Some people are allergic to sulphur and cannot tolerate wine made in the traditional way. Here's the solution!
Fruity wine with flavor notes of lots of red and dark berries and wood. Dry and powerful red wine with a long and lovely aftertaste. The wine has aged in barrels made of Luxembourg oak. The grapes are harvested on the Remich Primerberg field and the wine is classified Appellation d'origine protégée
DOMAINE KOX WINE ORANGE 2020
Another unique wine from the innovative winery. Orange wine is basically white wine made in the same way as red wine. Orange wine is made from white grapes, but instead of pressing the grapes right away and sorting out the skins, vinification starts with the skins in - just like with red wine. This way, the color, aroma and structure of the skins, seeds, etc. are included in the wine, giving a completely different and often more exciting taste experience than the typical white wine.
DOMAINE KOX VIN ORANGE 2020 is made from Pinot Blanc grapes that have had a short skin maceration in stainless steel vats. Enjoy it with cheese and tapas. The grapes are from the Bech-Maacher Enschberg area and the wine is classified as Vin de Luxembourg.
The next wine in the series is
DOMAINE KOX RIESLING SCHWEBSANGE KOLTESBERG 2016 PREMIER GRAND CRU
A dry, delicious and crispy wine with a high but well-integrated acidity. Rich and full-bodied flavor with notes of apples, gooseberries, citrus and pears - and a long and lovely finish. It is remarkable that the wine, despite being a few years old, is still vibrant. As Domaine Kox writes:"To be enjoyed now or to be "forgotten" for a while, as this Riesling has an ageing potential!"
This is a unique wine! It is the first red wine that the winery has aged in the aforementioned Kvevris. For 7 months it has been sitting in a large buried clay pot. Perfect with pasta, cheese or chicken. Should be decanted 1 hour before enjoying :-)
In the next post, we will take a closer look at Crémant de Luxembourg and tell you a little about the production method and some of the many varieties we have in our assortment.
Thank you for reading .-)
