Rapitala

A very close to my heart wine tasting was held at the ‘Rapitala’ vineyards and winery. I had met the owner Il Conte Laurent twice in Malta and he always made it a point that he would welcome us with open arms to his wonderful Tenuta.

Jessie (our named GPS) was programmed to take us there in forty minutes. This pain in the behind gadget had other plans. Instead of taking us directly, she decided she wanted to see more of this lush countryside.The trip lasted an hour and a half of terrible, potholed clayey tracks. Jessie Jessie Jessie, time to strangle you!!! Phoning Mr Laurent to apologise for our delay, he appeared ever so composed and totally unfazed. Arriving at ‘Tenuta Rapitala’ it was a breathtaking vista. Perched on a little hill, it was mesmerising. This regal looking estate, sitting proudly and rightly so, felt warm and intimidating at the same time. Warm maybe due to the combination of the blue hue of the shutters and the sun amplifying or accentuating the golden coloured stone. The serenity and tranquility of this place really grasped at my heart.

Il Conte, casually yet smartly attired greeted us like forgotten friends. His deep dimpled smile, ever so charming, draws you in with its genuity. It really was a great honour and pleasure to see him again.

Whisking us gently through the vineyards, processing rooms, cellar and including a DNA Laboratory, I was stunned at the high tech implemented at this winery. I love my gadgets, I am a gadget woman and I could have happily stayed at the lab. Il Conte asked us to follow him to the tasting room and what a room! It appeared to be more of a ballroom than a tasting room. Quickly eyeing the prepared table I looked in shock at Monsieur Laurent. “We are not going to taste all those wines…….are we?” With a deep dimpled smile and a French accent he replied “of course.”

Bottle after bottle was opened. It was the first time I actually experienced countless of tastings from the same ‘house’ which I honestly, could not falter. Usually I find some of the reds too harsh or the whites uninteresting but at Rapitala there was magic in every sip that caressed my mouth. The man with the Midas touch for wine I silently thought. This memorable tasting consisted of sixteen different wines. I asked Monsieur Laurent if he had a particular favourite, his apt reply…….”Do you prefer either one of your children?”

Bidding farewell, with a few bottles cautiously wrapped for travelling, I gave a last, lingering look at this impeccably kept ‘tenuta’ thinking, what a privilege to work with this awesome and yet so humble man.