Princess Marie von Liechtenstein is the epitome of the modern, trendy royal. The working mother of three has recently received the accreditation of certified sommelier. For the past two years she has taken an active role in managing the Princely Wine Cellars of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Her first job was to revamp and modernise the corporate identity of the winery. The wines from the princely estates were traditionally produced for the family and not sold externally. The current sovereign, Prince Hans-Adam II (Princess Marie's father-in-law), has a strong entrepreneurial interest and the operation was commercialised. With her background in marketing and sales, the Princess is now expanding export markets.
The princely Domain Wilfersdorf in Austria comprises about 35 hectares growing white varieties such as grüner-veltliner, riesling and muskat-ottonel, and reds such as zweigelt and merlot. The wines are meant for everyday drinking. The Princess says, "Wine is for everyone. You don't need to be lectured. It should be fun to experience and purely for enjoyment."
Princess Marie believes that her cool-climate wines, which are lighter and more elegant in style, will pair well with Asian food. The timing is good as the Asian economy remains robust and there is a strong-growing wine culture.
The winery's aristocratic ownership and 600-year-old history has helped open doors. Last year all the wines were awarded medals at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits competition.
Grüner Veltliner Reserve 2012
Austria's most famous indigenous white variety makes wines with peppery, spicy notes. 2012 was a ripe vintage and wines are drinking well now. On the nose, restrained apple, mineral and hints of white pepper. Medium body, refreshing acidity with a spicy edge at the finish. A versatile wine that works with sashimi, steamed fish and spicy Thai dishes. HK$265
Liesecco is Princess Marie's favourite wine and represents the modern face of the winery. Made from gelber muskateller. Fruity and fragrant with floral peach notes. Gentle bubbles, off-dry in sweetness. Approachable and easy to drink with a moderate alcohol level of 11 per cent. A friendly wine and conveniently bottled with a screw cap. HK$170
A blend of 70 per cent zweigelt and 30 per cent merlot. Zweigelt is the most widely grown red Austrian grape. Its wines have forward cherry, red fruits and soft velvety tannins. Merlot, grown in the area from 1986, adds structure, complexity and savoury notes. Black fruits, plums, strawberries and raspberries, with some savoury notes. Fuller body with a good intensity of ripe fruit, and soft tannins. Easy drinking red which will pair well with dim sum, duck and pork. HK$300
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