Antwerp's Steenwijn, a red wine with a special history, has matured over the past year in the deep cellars of Het Steen, one of Antwerp's oldest and most iconic buildings. This unique maturation method gives the wine an undeniably Antwerp character, as reported by the local press. The wine, of which only 1,024 bottles have been produced, is described as having light fruit notes and is a perfect accompaniment to charcuterie.
What's Happening
Steenwijn, a red wine, is now available after a year-long maturation period in the cellars of Het Steen in Antwerp. This exclusive batch of 1,024 bottles was expertly produced by winemaker Patrick Nijs, who has been active with Wijnfaktorij in the shadow of Antwerp Cathedral for ten years. Het Steen, a fortress overlooking the Scheldt river, served as an ideal location for this wine to develop its unique characteristics. The launch of Steenwijn is a highlight for the local culinary scene and adds a new dimension to Antwerp's local products.
How Antwerp Wine Combines Tradition and Tourism
Combining a historic location like Het Steen with the production of a local wine, the Steenwijn, appeals to both tourists and residents. It demonstrates how Antwerp utilizes its heritage in innovative ways to valorize local products and enrich the city's experience. For example, the wine is already served at the top restaurant The Jane, where it is paired with veal tongue, a dish deeply rooted in Antwerp's culinary tradition.
Background
Het Steen, dating back to the 13th century, has had various functions throughout the centuries, from fortress to prison and maritime museum. Its current role as a maturation site for wine is a recent development that puts the city of Antwerp and its heritage in a new light. Patrick Nijs, the driving force behind Wijnfaktorij, has focused in recent years on making wine with a strong regional identity. His choice for the cellars of Het Steen for this Steenwijn underscores this philosophy, with the unique environment contributing to the wine's character. This initiative follows a broader trend where local producers collaborate with historic sites to create authentic products.
What This Means for Belgium
This project involving Steenwijn and Het Steen in Antwerp is a fine example of how Belgian cities can leverage their historical heritage for local economy and tourism. It contributes to Antwerp's identity and reinforces Belgium's image as a country with a rich cultural and culinary offering. Initiatives like this, where craft and heritage converge, stimulate local employment and attract visitors. It shows that in addition to traditional breweries and chocolatiers, there is also room for innovative wine creations in our country. Steenwijn can serve as an inspiration for other Belgian municipalities to develop their own unique products. The collaboration between the City of Antwerp and local entrepreneurs like Wijnfaktorij is essential in this regard and demonstrates the strength of such regional partnerships.
According to HLN Antwerpen, this red wine matured in the cellars of Het Steen, giving the product a unique Antwerp character.