Marsovin’s Grand Maitre 2006, “Annata Fra Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle,” is to be released on Thursday, 23 October. This is the ninth vintage of the prized Grand Maitre, which comes from Marsovin’s 13.2 Tumoli Ghajn Rihana Estate.

The Ghajn Rihana estate spans over an area of 1.6 hectares, situated between the hills and Wardija in the north of Malta. The vineyard is densely planted with 14,000 vines of two noble French grape varieties, made up of equal quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The arid land and clay-rich soil, calcareous soils provide a tough growing environment for these vines. The yields from this estate are therefore low and generally produce very concentrated full bodied wines of intense fruit and aromatic character. Following vinification, the unfiltered wine is aged in new oak barriques for over 12 months in the Marsovin cellars prior to bottling.

Fra Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, a French Knight belonging to the Langue of Provence, was only 51 when he was appointed Grand Master in 1581. Verdala, as he came to be known, was a typical ecclesiastic, pious and worldly person; moreover, he was a domineering and wise autocrat; qualities which were only to be surpassed by his love for pomposity and riches.

In 1586 Pope Sixtus V offered Verdala the opportunity to become a Cardinal and Prince of the Church, a role which Verdala accepted with great enthusiasm. In fact, he immediately started to introduce new concepts within his household, such as the elegant fashion of music at dinner, something which would have scandalised the early Hospitallers with their monastic practices.

Verdala’s next plan was to build a country retreat to try and avoid the blistering heat of summer in Valletta. Verdala chose one of the best locations on the Maltese islands, a place with breath taking views overlooking the gardens of Boschetto. Grand Master La Valette had also chosen this location were he built a humble dwelling, but to the contrary Verdala wanted to construct something more prominent and worthy of a Cardinal Prince, for this reason he built what is known today as The Verdala Palace.

Grand Master Verdala encouraged the foundation of The Capuchin Order in Malta and he later promoted Bishop Gargallo’s Jesuit College which was later converted into The University of Malta. Verdala also worked on the construction of a house of solitude for women, a project which was started by his predecessor. He later established the Ursuline Convent in Valletta under the protection of the Hospitallers.

Throughout his magistracy Verdala acquired quite a fortune and he argued till the end that when enriching himself he was also enriching the Order. In fact, after his demise in 1595, he left all his vast fortune to the Order.

Grand Maitre is a wine dedicated by Marsovin to the Grand Masters of Malta by special appointment to the Maltese Association Sovereign Military Order of Malta. Each vintage is dedicated to a different Grand Master in chronological order, the first one being Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam for the 1998 vintage. The label itself is made out of pewter with an embossed design, which includes the coat of arms of that year’s Grand Master, hence this means that the design of the label must change according to the coat of arms of that years’ Grand Master.

The Ghajn Rihana Estate is situated in the same area where the last battle of the Great Siege between the Knights of the order of St John was fought against the Turks in September 1565. In this final battle the Turks were situated at St Paul’s Bay to position their troops for the launch of yet another attack. Over 200 knights and the Sicilian relief of 8000 soldiers were situated in Naxxar waiting for the Turks to advance; a garrison at Mdina was also waiting for the Turks, to attack them on their flank. Once the Turks had advanced as far as Burmarrad, all forces met in the area at Ghajn Rihana where the knights and Sicilian forces prevailed over the Turks.

The 2006 vintage, was characterised by slightly cooler and wetter conditions relative to previous years with lower than average mean temperatures throughout the year and beneficially high rainfall in the Winter months. The resultant 2006 vintage wine retains its familiar characteristics typified essentially by its intense fruity bouquet, good balance and velvety smooth tannins.

For more information on Marsovin’s Grand Maitre please visit www.marsovin.com or phone Marsovin’s Cellars on 2366-2445 on Thursdays from 9am till 1pm or on Fridays from 3.30pm till 7pm, or the Sales office on 2366-2401 between Monday and Friday from 9am till 3pm.