On its 12th year, the Grand Wine Experience promises a grander, tastier and more entertaining bash for wine and food enthusiasts.
More than 500 bottles of wines and spirits from all over the world will be uncorked before a huge crowd expecting to taste the classic and newest brands in the wine arena. Guests will have their fill of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaujolais, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot in one single night.
To be held on Nov. 16, 5 p.m., at Marriott Manila Grand Ballroom in Newport City, the Grand Wine Experience, organized yearly by Philippine Wine Merchants and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, showcases the product lines of top vineyards and distilleries from France, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Austria, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Greece, New Zealand, Japan, Russia and the US.
“The wine gathering has always been dubbed the ultimate gastronomical experience,” says Ronald Lim Joseph, PWM director for finance and administration. “This yearly experience is all about wine, food and people. It has become a must-attend for wine connoisseurs, foodies, restaurateurs, hoteliers, food and beverage managers, culinary students and people in the wine trade and industry.”
The wine tasting will be complemented with fine cheeses and representative cuisine from these wine regions.
“Where can you find an event where the wine-makers or the vineyard owners themselves are the ones pouring wines on your glasses?” says Joseph. “You will even see them around the room enjoying pouring generous amounts of various types of wine into an endless queue of glasses.”
Jam-packed ballroom
With this year’s theme “Full Expression,” the event will also be an opportunity for the business sectors involved in wines to know more about wine trends and upcoming wine players, new distributors and suppliers in the trade.
“It’s like a business opportunity for 2013,” adds Joseph. “It’s really a place where you bring your calling cards.”
Cuisine for the event will be prepared by the chefs of Marriott Hotel led by executive chef Meik Brammer.
The Grand Wine Experience started in 2000 by PWM, represented by the Joseph brothers — Robert, Ralph, Raymond and Ronald. Their objective was to raise local awareness about wines and spirits.
Last year, the wine event, also at Marriott Manila, had over 1,300 guests, surpassing the previous year’s 1,200—a long way, indeed, from the 300 who graced the first-ever wine event 12 years ago.
“It’s been increasing every year,” says Joseph. “Last year turned out really well. The ballroom was jam-packed with guests who knew how to enjoy and appreciate good wine. The marathon wine tasting started at 6 p.m. and lasted till the wee hours.”
Last year’s food included a wide selection of cheeses and cold cuts, meat stations, giant tuna, paella as big as a dining table, humongous chocolate bar, etc.
Food-and-wine sampling
A sampling of what to expect on the big day was prepared and served before a select group of media, sponsors and wine distributors at Marriott Manila.
A lively and sparkling Prosecco with fresh and fruity flavor was first passed around to awaken everyone’s appetite.
Lunch started with a refreshing Orange-flavored Gratined Salmon and Scallop Carpaccio with Melba Toast, nicely paired with medium-bodied Montes Sauvignon Blanc 2011 from Chile with hints of peaches, pineapple and lime.
A light, clear spiced vegetable soup followed to prepare the palate for the main course.
A Surf and Turf of Roasted Sea Bass and fried US Tenderloin in Al Tonno Sauce served with green pea puree and braised fennel graced the table and came with two outstanding wines: 2010 Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Morning Fog Livermore Valley and 2008 Pirramimma Stock’s Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.
The crisp chardonnay offered a rich and buttery flavor with touches of toasty oak and fruit, while the full-bodied cabernet sauvignon delivered smooth hints of mint and tomato, black currant and mulberry.
A dessert of Callebaut White and Dark Chocolate Mousse with wild berries compote was then served, paired with slightly spiced Chilean 2011 Montes Late Harvest Botrytised Grapes Gewurztraminer.
For reservations, call 8539894, 8510172 and 8317951.
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