Wine Pairing dinner with WineTalk @ The Pressroom, Bangsar Shopping Center

It had been a while since I went last to a wine event and for this round, I was lucky to be invited by WineTalk for this session which I find it very informative on wine especially with some continent that I have not tried before.

Again, wine is another thing which is very subjective as every one have their very own personal preference. Some like it dry, some like it sweet end and as for me, I definitely love my white to be simple and smooth and red to be dry. . 😀

For this round, the wine tasting took place in The Pressroom at Bangsar Shopping Center.

With its ambiance, surely it is one of a great place to chill with friends. .

Looking at the glass upon being seated, surely there are quite a number of bottles that we are going to try with number of wine glass being place on the table. .

True enough that we are going to sample 6 bottles in total with 3 white and 3 red.

For the night itself, the event host by French Sommelier David Stephan as with his experience this Wine Talk’s Educational Journey of Wine is pretty interesting.

Kiwi Walk Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand

For a generic wine, New Zealand wine is always the one that top in my list as I find it many people can accept it easily for both white and red. For the night, Kiwi Walk Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand. It is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Kiwi Walk is an addictively crisp and fresh wine packed with great tropical aromas which made it is easy-to-drink. This wine showcases the classic tropical fruits of the region like Guava & lime, combined with fresh herbs notes. For a chit chat session right before dinner, this would be ideal and not only that, pairs well with seafood too.

Conclusion: Super friendly SB, fresh & addictive!

Gambas al Ajillo – Tiger prawns sauteed in olive oil, garlic and chili.

Fried Cheese

Champinones al Ajillo – Button mushrooms sauteed with butter, garlic and parsley.

 Eggplant

We all had a great chat on that night till French Sommelier David Stephan came up and start pouring us some drinks. Yet love his style as he explains all the details about the wine.

Next bottle that turns out to be an alien country wine to me as I have never tried before yet it was the winner in my list that among the 6 bottles, this is one of the best. Hail the wine from Germany:Louis Guntrum ‘Royal Blue’ Riesling – Rheinhessen, Germany. Riesling itself is my personal favourite type of wine as this bottle had mild sweet end, easy to drink yet smooth. . If you are enjoying yourself on a hot chilling temperature as in 10-15 degree yet in the afternoon, this is just so perfect to have!

The ‘Royal Blue’ is an off-dry wine, boasting some sugar and a very soft 9.5% alcohol level (this is a good clue to know if a Riesling is sweet or not; 12% & over: dry; 8-12%: off-dry ; below 8%: sweet). It showcases an elegant and classical Riesling scent, paired with aromas of tropical fruits, with green apples and citrus, pineapple and melon; An Excellent balance of sweetness and acidity. Enjoy by itself as an aperitif, with lightly spicy food, roasted duck or smoked meats.

Conclusion: A very addictive fresh white, candy in a glass!

The last bottle before we heading to the red. Rosé is next.  I love rose but I am quite particular on it as not many rose is good. Either its too sweet, some with bitter end and you really have to pick your own flavour. The Rosé that David handpicked for us to sample is a 100% Grenache Gris from Languedoc, France – Gérard Bertrand ‘Art De Vivre’. Just got to know that night that French is actually the biggest Rose producer in the world. Yet this bottle didnt impress me. hehe. . .

David’s note on this Rose is that it is the best wines to fight off Malaysian weather. As it drinks nice and fresh, they are the best choice for a BBQ party with friends. Made from 100% Grenache, it shows a delightfully light color, lots of fruit flavors and a fresh and aromatic palate. Great for a wide range of dishes, from seafood, fish to Barbecue meats.

Conclusion: Like any good fresh rosé, best shared with friends for a nice BBQ!

Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in classic Caesar dressing with toasted croutons and bacon bits. Love the runny egg yolk <3

Cold Cut Platter – Cecina, turkey chorizo and turkey salami served with pan con tomate and extra virgin olive oil. Something savoury to go along with the wines. Love the smoked beef! This goes well with both white and red wine (in my own personal opinion)

La Closerie des Lys Pinot Noir – Languedoc, France, has an expressive nose of black cherry and spices with a beautiful attack; this is ample and fruity with a fresh final and delicate oak hints.

Conclusion: Beautiful wine, serve it slightly chilled with some roast duck, or grilled lamb chops.

Pizzas with four different toppings

I am always a fan of dry wine. Just don know why or maybe I have been thought by my friend in Melbourne that time that make me falls for the taste texture of it. Finca Sobreño ‘Crianza’ – Toro, Spain is the last bottle and its DRY yet need to breath for a while to bring out the aroma of it. . Toro wines have a reputation to be fuller bodied than the Rioja or Ribera Del Duero, for example, due to the warmer & drier climate. The Crianza wines need to have aged for at least two years, of which at least six months aged in oak barrels. It has a pretty bouquet of blueberry jam and raspberry that is well-defined. The palate is well-balanced, with a smooth, silky texture, crisp acidity and a citrus, fresh, primal finish.

Conclusion: Full-bodied, I recommend decanting it for full enjoyment. Best to pair with red meat!

Overall, indeed it was an informative night for me as I learn much more about wine now. #winetalk certainly make a mark in my list among a few other wine tasting that I have went.

A bit more about them:

Wine Talk with Room-Service is a new concept created by the venture of Room Service Deliveries and Gastrodome Management Services, is Malaysia’s premier online wine delivery service where you can buy, purchase or order wines online and have them delivered to your doorstep. Wine Talk promisesGUARANTEED SATISFACTION, GUARANTEED PRICE, DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME, experiencing wines is now even more pleasurable. With GUARANTEED SATISFACTION, customers will get a new bottle if they don’t love the wine they received within 30 days of purchase. With GUARANTEED PRICE, customers will get refunded with the price difference if they find the wine cheaper in major super and hypermarkets in Peninsular Malaysia up to 14 days from the date of purchase.

Wine Talk’s wines are personally selected and handpicked by David Stephan who has more than 15 years of extensive background on wines. Visit www.winetalk.com.my or call them at 1300 88 9788 for more details.