Schott Zwiesel - Crystal Glass Partner

About Zwiesel Kristallglas AG
Zwiesel Kristallglas AG is a specialist manufacturer of crystal glassware that has been combining handcrafted perfection with the latest glassmaking technologies for over 130 years. The company’s strength lies in the unparalleled quality and outstanding functionality of its products, and in its unique design approach to all types of glassware.

All creations are developed in cooperation with experts drawn from hotels, bars and restaurants - such as sommeliers, leading chefs and cocktail experts - to ensure every possible aspect, from ergonomics to aesthetics, is taken into consideration.

Zwiesel crystal glassware is lead-free.

ZWIESEL 1872
Zwiesel 1872 pays tribute to its Bavarian heritage of handmade mouth-blown master craftsmanship. Carefully crafted for the highest quality, each piece is a unique objet d’art: an artisan piece of work rich in aesthetic value.

Zwiesel 1872 is proud to work with Professor Michael Boehm, the acclaimed designer of glassware in Europe, to develop this luxury collection launched in 2005. Before designing for Zwiesel 1872, Professor Boehm’s glassware designs have been stamped on brands such as Rosentahl for Bvlgari and Villeroy & Boch to name a few. His selected works still grace permanent museum collections in Europe and the US.

“ My designs seek to interpret and serve the needs of a utility-based culture, by providing complete solutions. I strive to enchant and inspire people with the beauty of glass.”
– Professor Michael Boehm

Zwiesel 1872 uses titanium, lead-free crystal that is safe for both health and the environment. Titanium crystal is also more durable, more scratch resistance and more brilliant than other crystal.

SCHOTT ZWIESEL
The Schott Zwiesel brand name is synonymous with 5to6 star hotels worldwide. Having being established for more than 130 years, this machine-made line of barware and stemware is truly the glass for professionals. A feast for the eyes by anyone’s standard: after all, the right presentation plays a crucial role in the enjoyment of a stylish drink. Schott Zwiesel is the number one brand used in most 5to6 star hotels and restaurants around the world.

The Schott Zwiesel VINA crystal collection is used for the Court of Master Sommlier – Asia Accreditation 2008. Appreciated for its simplicity in design with delicate yet durable thin-walled crystal glasses makes VINA a popular choice and appeals to the modern consumer. The VINA collection consists of 8 glasses: Red wine aromas are released optimally in the Burgundy glass, the large Bordeaux, or, the Burgundy glasses. There are also glasses for white wine, rosé, sparkling wine and champagne, and a water goblet.

All Schott Zwiesel crystal glasses use an internationally patented Tritan® technology – A lead-free titanium crystal glass that is more brilliant, dishwasher-safe and break resistant.

Official Partnership Announcement

MASTER SOMMELIER ASIA ACCREDITATION 2008
ASIA ACCREDITATION 2008

The Academy of Wine Singapore is pleased to announce their partnership with Schott Zwiesel crystal glass and the award winning wineries: Champagne Devaux, Francis Ford Coppola Presents.., Geografico, Georges Duboeuf, Gianni Gagliardo and Yering Station for the launch and organization of:

Asia’s only recognised Court of Master Sommeliers Accreditation Programme.

The program to be held from 1st-3rd March 2008, will include a two day preliminary training and exam conducted by three Master Sommeliers, and the inaugural Examination for the Certified Sommelier (CS) title. The only one in Asia to be recognized by the Court of Master Sommelier.

The participating wineries has indicated their support in a group statement: “With the establishment of this major education program, our wineries are investing in the future of Asia’s wine industry, qualifying only those with the true understanding of wine making and wine appreciation the responsibility to become positive influencers to their clients, customers and future winemakers of Asia” a necessity in the booming Asian hospitality market.

Schott Zwiesel has been combining handcrafted perfection with the latest glassmaking technologies for over 130 years. Developed with top sommeliers and leading chefs, Schott Zwiesel ensures only the best in design. Made from a patented technology called Tritan®, a high-quality titanium, lead-free crystal, it is no wonder that Schott Zwiesel is the number 1 choice of the finest hotels and restaurants worldwide and continues to support major education throughout Asia.

The Academy of Wine extends a warm welcome to The Three Masters, Mr. Brian Julyan, Mr. Evan Goldstein and Mr. Tim Gaiser.

A ground-breaking education program for the growth and success of Asia’s wine and hospitality industry.

To seek out further information and confirm your attendance for the Press Conference to be held on March 3rd, 2008 - please contact Joanna.kwok@zwiesel-kristallglas.sg or candice.greedy@redandwhite.net

Official Wine Partners:

VEUVE A. DEVAUX
Champagne - France
Founded in 1846, the Champagne of Devaux was taken over by Madame Auguste Devaux, one of Champagne’s great characters who ran their companies with as much energy as skill. The company was renamed “Maison Veuve A.Devaux” upon her death. Each Cuvée endorsed by Devaux owes its character to the 1,400 hectares of vineyard situated in the heart of the Côte des Bars which produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the whole Appellation. In this attractive countryside of hills and valleys, 800 winegrowers use the skills of their ancestors to produce the flavours and character of great Champagne. http://www.champagne-devaux.fr/


FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA PRESENTS
Sonoma - United States of America
The Francis Ford Coppola Presents as a company, represents the innovation of Francis Ford to branch further into many business ventures outside his domain of film making and directing. Some of the very successful projects under the umbrella of FFCP have been resorts, restaurants, magazines. The Francis Ford Coppola Presents Rosso & Bianco Winery is located in Sonoma, and offers 5 different labels of wines: Director’s Cut, Francis Coppola Reserve, Diamond wines, Ross & Bianco and Sofia (a sparkling wine).

The winery has the benefit of sourcing fruit from the bountiful areas of Napa and Sonoma in the coastal region of California, in the United States of America. Vinification and blending of the wines occur at the winery and is overseen by a team of winemakers and professionals. The primary focus of the Rosso & Bianco winery is the concept of unpretentious and high quality wines; the inspiration drawn from a lifetime of memories of the various wines enjoyed by Francis Ford Coppola’s family during his youth. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery provides a lifestyle brand which operates distinctively separate from the Rubicon Estate. http://www.ffcpresents.com/


GEOGRAFICO
Tuscany - Italy

The vineyards of the 200 growers of the Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico are located in the most prestigious Tuscan production zones. They total 571 hectares of which 486 hectares are registered as DOCG. Along with Sangiovese, there are other indigenous vines that contribute characteristic aromas and flavors to the wines. The Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico has also planted vineyards with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, seeking to add a touch of modern and internationalism to their product assortment. http://www.chiantigeografico.it/

VINS GEORGES DUBOEUF
Beaujolais - France
Duboeuf and Beaujolais are something of a love story; a story about the happy marriage between the Duboeuf family and the fruits of the Beaujolais soil. With annual sales of 30 million bottles, Georges Duboeuf is one of France's largest and best-known wine merchants. Founded in 1964 by Georges Duboeuf, the son of a wine-grower, their policy of tradition and quality has met with spectacular success, as seen with their Beaujolais, Maconnais and Rhone Valley wines. Today, Vins Georges Duboeuf continue to balance tradition and commercial growth with its expanded regional offering of fine wines, from Beaujolais to Pays d'Oc, Ardeche to Jardin de la France. http://www.duboeuf.com/

GIANNI GAGLIARDO
Piemonte - Italy
Originally started by his father-in-law Paulin Colla in the 1950’s, Gianni Gagliardo joined the winery in 1974. Today, he carries on the family tradition, running the estate with his 3 sons. With a production of 25,000 cases, and a majority of the grapes coming from single vineyards, Gianni Gagliardo uses a contemporary winemaking approach to produce hand-crafted wines. A direct result of this effort is the annual Barolo Auction held every September at the Gagliardo estate. Wine buyers and press attend from all over world for the opportunity to bid on the release of Gianni Gagliardo Barolo wines. http://www.gagliardo.it/



YERING STATION
Yarra Valley (Victoria) - Australia
Yering Station is rich in history; established in 1838 as the first vineyard in Victoria; it was awarded a “Grand Prix” at the Paris exhibition in 1889, the only one awarded to a Southern Hemisphere wine. Yering Station is now one of the most exciting family-owned developments in the wine industry. The wines are made entirely from grapes of the Yarra Valley. The winemaking team, led by Tom Carson, is committed to producing wines which express the characteristics of the region with particular emphasis on varietal flavours, structure and balance. When a variety performs exceptionally well during a season, a selection of the most outstanding parcels are released under the reserve label. http://www.yering.com/

2008 Asian Venue:

1° 15 (One Degree Fifteen) Marine Club, Sentosa Cove, Singapore

Nestled in the waterfront developed of Sentosa Island, 1°15 is a leading private members club, set amongst the development of Singapore Intergrated Resort and Casino. Featuring world-class food & beverage outlets, nautical services and entertainment in an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance.

The club will provide a full service location for the training and examination of the Court of Master Sommelier Program, while also allowing for a sophisticated cocktail reception and Graduation Dinner Ceremony.

A clear indication of the premium standard of location for this annual program, to be held in a number of Asian countries in future years.

Introduction to The 3 Master Sommeliers

The 3 Masters will share their experience and knowledge during the two-day course, which includes the Certification Exam (held on 1st, 2nd and 3rd March, 2008)

Covering the following topics:
- Introduction to Viticulture
- Vinification
- Wines of the World
- Spirits and Liqueurs
- Beverage Service, and
- Tasting Techniques.

The three masters will also work together, during the course, to take candidates through a blind-tasting of more than 20 wines from around the world, sharing the most critical information a Sommelier must know from a bottle of wine. This exercise will transform one from a shy, soft-spoken floor server to a bold, confident professional Sommelier.

The Three Master Sommelier Profiles:

Brian Julyan MS.
Based in the UK, Brian is the author of Sales and Service for the Wine Professional and the CEO of the Court of Master Sommelier Worldwide.

Evan Goldstein MS.
The author of Perfect Pairings and Five Star Service. Vice-President of Global Wine & Brand Education for Beam Wine Estates, Former Chairman of Master Sommelier USA Chapter for 2 terms.

Tim Gaser MS.
Education Chair for the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as, a contributing editor for Fine Cooking Magazine an adjunct professor for the Rudd Centre for Professional Wine Studies at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley.

Introduction to The Court of Master Sommelier - Asia Accreditation 2008

A ground-breaking education program for the growth and success of Asia’s wine and hospitality industry.

In May 2007, a full class of 80 candidates attended the Court of Master Sommelier First Asian Accreditation. 83% passed the exam. It was one of the highest passing ratio in CMS exams. 36 of them will now stand for the next level exam on 1st March 2008 to obtain Asia's only recognised and inaugural accreditation for Certified Sommelier. To be held in Singapore - March 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2008
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As the wine industry continues to develop rapidly in Asia, wine education and accreditation for both individuals and the hospitality industry has also become essential.

In credible foundation and support for this interest, the Court of Master Sommelier, UK & USA have decided to establish the first Asian, Court of Master Sommelier Accreditation to be organized by The Academy of Wine Singapore and its President, Tommy Lam.

As the only internationally acknowledged Sommelier Accreditation program in Asia, the program has been recognised and supported by the Singapore and Chinese government and will host three International Master Sommeliers to conduct the Master Sommelier Introductory course and exam, which has been previously only available in the USA and UK.

Those that will attend Introductory Sommelier Course in 2008, or have passed in 2007 and will now go on to take the Certified Sommelier Course & Examination have typically at least 2 years of work experience in Wine Sales or Wine Service in Hotel, Restaurant & Bars. While a good knowledge in wine is an advantage but not compulsory.

This course is also particularly valuable for those who work in Wine Distribution/Sales and Wine retail.

In 2008 only 50% of candidates in the Introductory Sommelier Course are currently residing in Singapore, while the remaining 50 seats have been taken by candidates from other Asian countries.
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With the construction and establishment of two major Intergrated Resorts in Singapore in the next few years, Singapore is expecting another 5 million tourists, and hundreds of conferences and exhibitions in the next 3-5 years. Qualified Sommeliers and waiters who are knowledgeable in wine service and appreciation will be the most sort-after personnel in F&B and Hotel sectors.

Therefore the introduction of this Accreditation is timely for the Asian wine industry and its invested partners.

In fact, China, as a perfect example, is currently in the process of introducing regulation to allow ONLY Certified or Qualified Sommelier, to carry the relevant title.

Details of the event, press conference and guest Master Sommeliers will be released shortly!