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Wine is enjoyed not necessarily over a fancy
5-course meal wearing suits and formal outfits. One can
have loads of fun with wine as a beverage, that couples
very well with cheese. Nikko likes to do things differently
and elegantly. So they offered not only the usual cheese
platter with toasted bread and fondue but also Crogquet
Monsieur, Croquet Gramiere, Camembert Fried, Cordon Bleu,
cheese straws and their Japanese style Tofu Pizzas and Chicken
Miso Cheese Yaki for this fun evening. Over 50 people enjoyed
the 10 wines we had on offer. Pinot Grigio was the unanimous
choice of every one whereas most of them were not impressed
with the Lindemans due to other choices available. Red wines
had diverse admirers.
All the four wines had admirers but KWV
Merlot seemed to be the choice of more members. But, thanks
to the variety and frequency of snacks and the variety available
to indulge in, the evening was a great success and went
on to prove yet another time that it is not important what
wine you prefer, it is a matter of individual taste, but
you can have a great time and fun time in the company of
wine. Several young models and a famous singer only added
to the ambiance and made one feel younger as also heartening
to see that not all our youth are drowning themselves in
whiskey, vodka and rum. Here is the Wine Menu for the evening
with some basic pointers to the Taste:
WHITE WINES
Casa Girelli Vilalta Soave 2002
Made from Trabbiano, Garganega and a small quantity of Chardonnay
grapes this light bodied dry wine is a good daily drinkable
aperitif that can also be enjoyed with fish. Goes well with
pizzas and pastas with white sauces too . A good value-for-money,
easy drinking wine. Served chilled 10-12 deg.C
Lindemans Chardonnay 2002
Entry level 100 % Chardonnnay from South Est Australia.
Medium bodied, off dry,
Enjoyable with chicken and fish made with sauces, prawn.
Also enjoyable as an aperitif.
Michel Laroche Chardonnay 2002
From Languedoc-Roussillon region, South of France from where
several interesting Vin de Pays d'Oc like this one are produced,
unoaked, darker golden colour and heavier bodied than the
Burgundy whites due to lot of sun and heat.
Jean Claude Boisset Macon Villages
2001
Wine from a more affordable region of Burgundy, located
in the southern region. Not as dry or lean as Chablis. Quite
aromatic. Enjoy it with soft cheeses and fondue.
Canaletto Pinot Grigio IGT 2002
One of the most popular grapes of Veneto region in Italy.
Light, fresh and crispy, with a spice bite. Goes well with
the Indian palate, especially in summer. Served chilled
from 8-10 deg. C
Jean Claude Boisset Sauvignon Blanc
2002
Fresh and crisp daily drinking wine, very good as an aperitif
and with grilled or steamed fish and with Indian snacks
like samosas, Served chilled at 10-12 deg C
RED WINES
Borie Manoux Cotes du Rhone 1999
Medium bodied wine produced from a blend of grapes, primarily
Shiraz and Grenache, Fresh and fruity, softish but rounded
flavour, slightly tannic without food, can be chilled a
bit, especially in the hot season, goes well with tandoori
chicken, lamb and mutton dishes.
KWV Merlot
From Western Cape Town region in South Africa, Soft and
juicy, mild tannins, medium bodied wine from the government
co-operative KWV that controlled the total wine production
during the Apartheid days, ideal for Indian vegetarian fare
if you prefer to drink red wine with your food. Served at
16-18 deg C.
Rene Barbier Cabernet Sauvignon
1998
Made from 100% CS grape in DO Penede`s Appellation, near
Barcelona, matured in Oak barrels for a few months give
it slightly vanilla and spicy taste, full bodied and dry
tannins make it worthwhile to drink with food made with
heavy sauces. Served at 18 deg C
Canalleo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Produced in Abruzzi region of Italy withMontepulcianot grapes
and a very small quantity of Sangiovese. Brilliantly ruby
red colour. Vinous bouquet with a dry flavour. Serve slightly
chilled at 14-15 deg C.
Cheers!
Subhash Arora
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