Sun-drenched wines from Voerendaal
Author: Anja Neskens
Photography: Wijngoed Fromberg, Anja Neskens
Marcel and Carmen Boomers founded Wijngoed Fromberg in Voerendaal in early 1991. With passion and dedication, they have been cultivating juicy grapes on Dutch soil for years, which they process artisanally into sun-drenched wines and refined sparkling wines.
Experimentation is in their nature. They consider it important to work without traditional pesticides. For example, to combat the Suzuki fly, they use liquid silicon. A thin layer is applied like a silver lining around the grape, making it difficult for the fly to penetrate this protective coating.
Although the Romans did not use silicon in the modern chemical sense, they did use natural sources of silicon such as ash, sand, and certain clays, which could strengthen plants.
We feel fortunate to be able to work in this beautiful place in Voerendaal, overlooking the rolling South Limburg landscape, where our grapes can fully enjoy the radiant sun.
The Romans are also inseparably linked to the history of Voerendaal. After all, the largest Roman villa in the Netherlands was excavated here. The discovery of the head of Lady Furenthela – or Lady Voerendaal – still captures the imagination.
The Roman past therefore became a great source of inspiration for us.
Lucius
For our son Lucas, we produced our liqueur “Lucius.” The inspiration came from the potter Lucius from Heerlen. We can well imagine Lucius enjoying a fine distillate after a long day’s work.
Our “Lucius” liqueur is made from grape skins left over after pressing. The liquid is fermented again and then distilled by a whisky distiller from Moorveld in Beek. The result is a characterful drink with no less than 45% alcohol.
A delicious digestif after a meal, with a rich, full flavor.
Kunrader stones
Our Kunrader stones are actually our very first invention. As a child, I often played in the Kunrader quarry and was fascinated by the fragments — just like the Romans once were. Naturally, I wanted to become an archaeologist. That sense of curiosity and discovery has never left me. It is pure nostalgia.
I wanted to turn that memory into something tangible, but also something tasty for our customers. That is how the Kunrader stones were created: pieces of ganache coated in white chocolate and finished with a layer of powdered sugar. And no, no two stones are the same — just like in the quarry itself. They are all handmade and each has a delightful crunch. True craftsmanship, perfect to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
My fascination with archaeology continued later in life, for example during my experiences in the casemates of Maastricht and the quarries in Valkenburg. That is where the idea for a new product eventually arose: the marl block.
And we are far from finished experimenting. Our creativity continues to flow. We regularly organize “wine & dinner” evenings among the vines and dream of one day offering tourists a special overnight stay in a wine barrel.
Behind the scenes, we are also working on a unique, spicy wine inspired by ancient Roman recipes: a floral version for lovers of softer flavors and a spicier one for those who prefer something more robust.
Is your mouth watering yet? Feel free to visit our shop in Voerendaal or discover more on our website.
