Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508574
10 NEWS 28.9.2023 Global hospitality group ACCOR brings its Handwritten Collection brand to Malta Marsovin releases Grand Maître 2021 MARSOVIN Winery has announced the release of Grand Maître 2021, 'Fra' Ramon Despuig'. is vintage marks the 24th edition of the much-loved flagship wine, produced with finesse since its first vintage in 1998. Produced under the exclusive appoint- ment of the Maltese Association Sov- ereign Military Order of Malta, Grand Maître is an exceptional wine that pays homage to a different Grand Master in chronological order. e 2021 vin- tage honours the esteemed Fra' Ramon Despuig. Grand Maître is a true testament to Marsovin's commitment to excellence. e handpicked Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes originate from Għajn Riħana, Marsovin's private estate located in the breathtaking Ghajn Rihana Valley. e terroir provides the perfect en- vironment for the growth of these no- ble French grape varieties, with 10,000 vines thriving in arid land and clay-rich calcareous soil. "Grand Maitre symbolizes Marsovin's commitment and passion to winemak- ing and viticulture as well as its to ap- preciation and respect toward the Sov- ereign military order of Malta." stated Jeremy Cassar CEO and 4th Generation of the Cassar family. Although the 2021 vintage started with an early downpour in Autumn fol- lowed by a warm winter, Spring brought a cold spell, delaying bud bursts. While the temperature eventually picked up, it led to a very hot summer, resulting in harvesting being as late as early October. e deep ruby-colored wine has char- acteristics of a fine wine that would age well. e nose detects fruity essence, main- ly black cherries, and raspberries, bal- anced with hints of sweet spice. e palate follows suit with a full-bod- ied structure that contains elements of oak and vanilla. ACCOR, a world-leading hospi- tality group with more than 5,500 properties throughout more than 110 countries is introducing its Handwritten Collection brand in Malta and has chosen Number 11, Urban Hotel in St. Julian's as the first Maltese hotel to be part of this newly launched brand. e agreement, signed between Accor and Urban Hotels Malta Ltd, will see Number 11, Urban Hotel joining Accor's Handwrit- ten Collection at the end of 2023. "We are excited about this new partnership with Urban Hotels Malta Ltd, through which we can bring the Handwritten Collection to the island. Establishments un- der the Handwritten Collection are defined by unique personal- ities that intimately reflect the character and warmth of their owners, thus helping guests expe- rience more authentic stays" said Ettore Cavallino, Senior Director of Development Accor for Italy, Greece, and Malta. "e fact that we have started including Malta in our Hand- written Collection shows Accor's view of Malta as a very attractive destination and the Group's belief in the island's great tourism po- tential due to its natural beauty, history, local culture, and quality of the hospitality. Having Num- ber 11, Urban Hotel as part of our growing portfolio is also in line with Accor's strategy in terms of sustainability and respect for the location," added Mr Cavallino. Malcolm Azzopardi, General Manager of Urban Hotels Malta Ltd singled out this new agree- ment with Accor as an important milestone in the group's quest for excellence. "Associating ourselves with such a prestigious global hospitality group as Accor and having our Number 11, Urban Hotel become a part of its growing Handwritten Collection portfolio is a significant milestone for Urban Hotels Malta Ltd. It reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional expe- riences to our guests and aligns perfectly with our dedication to offering unparalleled service, dis- tinctive character, and genuine warmth in the heart of Malta." Number 11, Urban Hotel Number 11, Urban Hotel in St. Julian's, Malta, opened its doors in 2022. e adults-only hotel is situated in a prime location near restaurants, shopping centres, the marina, and the seafront prome- nade. e hotel offers guests daily com- plimentary breakfast and ameni- ties like a rooftop pool and a sun- lit vertical garden. e in-house restaurant, Hammett's Mestizo, serves Latin American-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Number 11 is dedicated to sus- tainable practices, actively reduc- ing single-use plastics through eco-friendly laundry policies. e hotel also supports environmental responsibility by providing guests with reusable water bottles and free water refills.