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Quentin Chong: winemaker
I love watching Dragon Power fight nights at the Grand
West Arena. The Wai Kru (a dance to demonstrate respect to
teachers), the fighter's fluidity of movement and each crushing
knockout is beautiful. Wine is similar. Only once you get a taste
for it do you appreciate the complexities of its form. Not just
content with becoming a Muay Thai world champion as well as owning
one of the most advanced fighting centres in the world, Quentin
Chong has added producing a Bordeaux-style blend called; Life is a
Journey, to his achievements.
We had a double-take when we discovered your latest venture. How
have you gone from Muay Thai to winemaking?
I've always been interested in wine. I've drank
great quality wines with my friends. When Rob Armstrong of Haut
Espoir Estate was one of the contestants on my show, Way of the
Warrior, I showed him how to master the art of Muay Thai and,
in return, he offered to show me the art of winemaking.
How much are you involved in the actual making of the
wine?
Under Rob's guidance, I tasted a number of cultivars in order to compose the final blend. I also enjoyed choosing elements like the layout of the product labelling. Interestingly, Rob is a member of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative and is careful that farming practices don't harm the environment.
What have you learnt from developing this wine?
Besides getting drunk? I'm joking, of course. I learnt
about all the different textures and tastes that make up a glass of
wine.
Where did the title 'Life is a Journey,' come
from and what does it mean to you personally?
The name of the wine captures my own journey. Life is a
journey and you never stop learning from people. Throughout my
life, I have always appreciated, believed and trusted in myself. I
never take anything for granted.
Have you drawn any comparisons between wine and Muay
Thai?
Wine and Muay Thai can both be considered art. One person
might taste blueberries in their glass, while another might taste
chocolate. It's the same with Muay Thai - people react in different
ways. Everyone is different. Art is open to interpretation.
How would you describe the wine?
The wine has a complex nose that entices further
exploration. It's bold and spicy, yet smooth, easy drinking and
balanced.
What food should it accompany?
I would have to say my dad's chicken and vegetable stir
fry. It pairs well with Cape Cuisine as it stands up to spice and
heat, but it doesn't overpower subtle flavours in the food.
What cultivars did you choose and why?
Elegant syrah (35%) is the backbone of the wine and lends
strong spice and white pepper notes to the blend, merlot (22%) has
elements of dark chocolate and blueberries, cabernet franc (20%)
adds black pepper and cayenne pepper spice, petit verdot (16%) adds
an aromatic perfume and cabernet sauvignon (7%) gives it
structure.
Who is the wine aimed at?
The beauty of the wine is that it isn't tied to one
specific drinker or lifestyle. It can be enjoyed by anyone who
likes a good glass of red wine and it can be enjoyed anywhere. I'm
looking forward to spectators drinking it at our Dragon Power
underground fight nights.
Where will it be sold and on what scale?
The domestic and local markets, but future plans include
exportation to the East.
What does the future hold for this venture?
Anything is possible!
Dragon Power Wine is sold at Haut Espoir Wine Estate, for
collection or delivery, and is priced at R89 per bottle.
By Lisa Nevitt
'On this journey called life, you never stop learning,' says Quentin 'Dragon' Chong