Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/860911
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 2017 Events 42 Marc André Hugel, representing the 13th generation of the illustri- ous Famille Hugel recently visited Gozo to host a dinner at the iconic Ta' Frenċ Restaurant. Head Chef Mario Schembri prepared a tour- de-force 8-course tasting menu that was paired perfectly by maître d' Joseph Tabone. Known today for their passion and modern outlook, the dynamic Hugel family, located in the pic- ture-postcard fortified village of Riquewihr, has earned a worldwide reputation for their Alsace wines. Exported in over 100 countries worldwide, most of the time 'Al- sace' is synonymous with 'Hugel'. Emblematic of the Hugel's abilities to combine tradition and innova- tion, the family has recently intro- duced new wines and bold, more inclusive labelling to call greater attention to Hugel's entire family and their unique vineyard hold- ings. Marc André believes that their Gentil is the perfect way to delve into the Hugel world so the din- ner kicked off with their 2015 vin- tage. A kaleidoscope of grapiness, it allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pi- not Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. Next up was the Gerwürtz- traminer Estate coming from a new selection "parcellaire" of care- fully chosen plots of the Famille Hugel estate situated in Riquewihr in its most prestigious crus. Most of the plots chosen for this new wine are being converted into or- ganic viticulture. Marc André also wanted to high- light the ageing potential and im- provement of his wines by show- casing a Riesling Jubilee 2008. He explained that it is their own inter- pretation of the expected quality of a great Schoenenbourg, a vineyard famous since the XVIIth century for the quality of its Riesling. While presenting his family's Grossi Laüe Pinot Noir 2010, Marc André explained that more than half Hugel's 61 acres are in what the Hugel family now calls Grossi Laüe vineyards. This nomencla- ture change underscores the Hugel family's proud ownership of these finest estate vineyards. Famille Hugel's specialties in- clude late harvest Vendange Tar- dive made with selected botrytis- affected grapes. Vendange Tardive or late harvest wines are the sweet jewels of the Alsace region and in particular, the Hugel family. It was Jean Hugel who first used the term following the 1976 vintage and who personally drafted the guidelines to producing Vendange Tardive (late harvest) that would become law in 1984. A Gerwürtz- traminer Vendange Tardive 2000 from Ta' Frenċ's extensive cellar was selected to cap off the dinner. Farsons Beverage Imports Com- pany (FBIC) Limited proudly imports and distributes Famille Hugel wines locally. Atlas opens its 10th branch in Zebbug Atlas Insurance PCC Ltd has opened its 10th branch in Vjal il-Helsien, Zebbug, Malta. Situated in one of the village's main thoroughfares, the new branch will be handling a full range of insurance services including motor, boat, home, travel and pet. The branch was inaugurated by Fr Daniel Cardona, Arch- priest of the Zebbug parish. "With the new Zebbug branch office, Atlas has now expanded its branch network to ten, including Qormi, Ra- bat, Birkirkara, St. Paul's Bay, Paola, San Gwann, SkyParks, Bormla, Mosta and Zebbug," said Keith Tanti, Branches and Intermediaries Manager. "Clients can also visit us at our Head Office in Ta' Xbiex, or contact us via AtlasChat, our virtual branch." "We are proud to be in- creasing the Atlas Insurance branch network. Our objec- tive is to be closer to our cus- tomers and thereby making it easier for them to visit us. Through our branches we aim to reach out to our customers to provide them with a per- sonalised and efficient ser- vice," said Michael Gatt, Atlas Insurance, CEO. During the summer months, Atlas Insurance in Zebbug is open as follows: Monday to Friday 8.30 to1.00pm, Mon- days and Wednesdays af- ternoons from 3:30 pm to 6:15pm, and every last Satur- day of the month from 8:30 am to 1:00pm. From October onwards the branch will be open on Mon- day to Friday from 8:30am to 1:00pm and from 3:30 pm to 6:15pm and every last Satur- day of the month from 8:30am to 1:00pm. For any enquiries customers are invited to either call 21 46 2000 or e-mail zebbug@atlas. com.mt Casa Antonia revives youthful parties with cheese and wine event PKF collaborate with MCAST on Tracer and Progression study As part of their corporate social responsibility programme, PKF Malta has recently collaborated with MCAST to conduct a Trac- er and Progression Study on the group of June 2015 MCAST grad- uates. The objective of this study was to determine whether this group of graduates had succeeded in becoming gainfully employed in a field relative to their chosen area of study. The results of this study were recently presented to MCAST officials Amongst other conclusions, the PKF study also considered wheth- er what the former students learnt was applicable in their present daily employment and whether the length of time spent study- ing at MCAST bore any directly proportionate relationship with landing better jobs. The study also reviewed for- mer students who were not em- ployed at the time of the survey , where the objective was to ana- lyse whether these are furthering their studies, and if so, within which institution. Given the Minister for Educa- tion and Employment, Evarist Bartolo's recent comments that Malta is preparing students for exams, but not for life or work, the pro-bono study conducted by PKF on students attending vari- ous institutes at MCAST to assess the merits of vocational training, was extremely well timed. A vast selection of different cheeses and quality wines were the high- light of this year's summer party at Casa Antonia Nursing and Resi- dential Home in Balzan. Residents enjoyed a balmy evening with live music together with their families in the home's beautiful garden. The chef prepared a lovely ban- quet with different types of favour- ite cheeses, such as Parmeggiano Reggiano, Provolone, Gruyere, Stilton, Cranberry soft cheese, Brie and Camembert and served with a variety of cheese biscuits, nuts and grapes. The cheeses were paired with a range of Sicilian and Chilean wines ranging from Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Prosecco, Merlot, Shiraz and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo as well as spirits and soft drinks to offer everyone a choice. "The cheeses and wines gave residents a pleasant talking point, reminiscences of their young sum- mer days outdoors or on the beach. These are some of the cherished moments our elderly residents en- joy. At Casa Antonia, we ensure to provide an overall holistic care in elegant and cheerful surround- ings," said Casa Antonia General Manager, Dr Sarah Cassar. As no party would be complete without music, soprano Astrid Cacciatore ac- companied on the piano by Amy Vella sang classical arias, while singer Corazon with Spiteri Lucas Band provided a number of pop- ular medleys. Nestled in a quiet area of Balzan, Casa Antonia offers a classic and peace- ful setting and boasts of beauti- ful landscaped gardens adjacent to the President's private orchard and gardens of San Anton. The home features single and compan- ion rooms and apartments with en suites complemented by classic furnishings and finishes, and all rooms enjoy views of the gardens. A calming pool feature and a gaze- bo are the focal point of the sunny courtyard. Casa Antonia residence has es- tablished itself as one of Malta's top nursing and residential homes. Em- ploying over 120 well trained staff enables the home to offer a holis- tic services and truly personalised care for residents. The 150-bed fa- cility offers long-term care, short- stay convalescence, rehabilitation and respite care and extra services such as hairdressing, beautician, social activities, and catering for private parties amongst others. All areas and floors are wheelchair ac- cessible. Further information about Casa Antonia Nursing and Residential Home can be obtained by calling telephone no (+356) 2149 6277, email info@casa-antonia.com.mt, or by visiting the website: www. casa-antonia.com.mt From left, Mark Tanti, Executive – Branches, Fr. Daniel Cardona, Zebbug Parish, Angelle Conti, Branch Officer and Keith P Tanti, Manager – Branches and Intermediaries From left: David Kenely, Director of Institute of Business Management and Commerce, MCAST, Marianna De Franchis, Economist, PKF Malta, George Mangion, Senior Partner, PKF Malta, Dr Marilyn Formosa, Business Associate, PKF Malta and Stephen Cachia, Principal and CEO, MCAST Famille Hugel in Gozo Casa Antonia residents and their guests sample different types of cheeses at the Cheese and Wine summer party