concha y toro wine appreciation night at the champagne room
No one in their right mind will ever turn down an invitation for a night that promises excellent wining and dining at Manila Hotel's Champagne Room, right?
So despite my lola -self usually deciding to turn down an evening invitation almost immediately, I made an exception for this.
And I'm glad I did.
The swanky degustation was made possible by family-owned winery: Concha Y Toro.
The evening began with a short speech made by Jose Cancino, the South East Asia Regional Manager of VCT Group of Wineries Asia, who flew in especially for the event. Can you believe he's only 29?
So despite my lola -self usually deciding to turn down an evening invitation almost immediately, I made an exception for this.
And I'm glad I did.
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| concha y toro wine appreciation night |
The swanky degustation was made possible by family-owned winery: Concha Y Toro.
Concha Y Toro is renowned as the Latin America’s leading and largest wine producer and exporter. For almost 130 years, the winery continues to be family owned. Just recently, it has made its way to the top by gaining the No. 1 position in the 2015 “Power 100: Most Powerful Wine Brands”
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| jose cancino concho y toro |
Some interesting details discussed about the different labels under the Concho mother brand were:
How 4 decade-old Casillero De Diablo got its name. This best value wine from Chile has also been one of its most sought-after which led to numerous burglaries by the locals. To counter this, they decide to spread the rumor that their cellar was haunted. Hence, the name and true enough, once word got around, people stopped stealing from them!
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| concha y toro wine pairing |
Get your pen and paper ready, these notes might come useful especially with all the parties to host this holiday season.
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| cauliflower panna cotta and lobster medallion at champagne room |
(basil dressing, red beets)
Paired with:
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Casablanca, Limari and Rapel Valleys
Color: Light greenish yellow
Aroma: Fresh with hints of citrus. Presence of pear, lime and a tropical touch
Palate: An elegant wine due to its intensity and balanced acidity. The citrus characteristics from the coastal areas of the Central Valley stand out. Fresh from beginning to end.
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| green pea soup champagne room |
(poached quail eggs, truffle oil, pancetta crisp)
Paired with:
Casillero del Diablo Sparkling Brut
Origin: Limari Valley
Color: Bright with a gorgeous pale yellow color. Very delicate and with small bubbles
Aroma: The first impression delivers the Limari Valley’s austere citric notes. Green apple aromas stand out over a mineral base, complemented by hints of clay biscuit, to create a fresh, highly aromatic wine
Palate: The minerality appears first and strong. The acidity is marvelous and friendly thanks to the fruit character mainly lime and quince. Some small touches of the yeast lift the elegance thanks to the presence of Pinot Noir.
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| oven roasted chilean sea bass |
(roasted cherry tomato salsa, pesto risotto, green asparagus)
Paired with:
Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay
Origin: Limari Valley
Color: Light yellow
Palate: Combining richness with elegance and vibrancy this ripe, delicious wine serves up tasty white pear, mineral notes and toasty hazelnut. Deeply concentrated with silky texture and layers of ripe, opulent fig, pear and mineral flavors. It finishes with a long and vibrant character
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| grilled australian veal rack |
(marsala sauce, set on herb-cheese polenta, bouquet of autumn vegetables)
Paired with:
Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere
Origin: Peumo Vineyard, Cachapoal Valley
Color: Dark and deep red
Palate: It has a classic Peumo Carmenere profile of intense dark plums, black currants, and dark chocolate. It is modern in tannins which are soft finely ground. The wine shows firm tannic structure, with a crisp bite of acidity
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| ohaina chocolate gateau with creme anglaise |
V.
Ohaina Chocolate Gateau with Crème Anglaise
Café ou The’Pralines
Paired with:
Frontera Moscato
Origin: Itata Valley
Color: Bright yellow with golden notes
Aroma: Fresh fruit, flowers and hints of honey
Palate: Fresh, sweet, slightly acid and good persistence
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| concho y toro wine appreciation at champagne room |
Although I consider myself more of a red wine drinker, I couldn't deny the unique and refreshing flavor of the Casillero. It's a perfect wine to enjoy on hot nights and it can go with almost anything.
Favorite dish: Sea Bass. Not gonna say much, I wanna leave it as a surprise, just do yourself a favor and try it.
What I learned?
A good wine doesn't have to be expensive. Of all we sampled, the Casillero was one of the cheapest (in the P300-400 range if I remember right) but it was a favorite for most of us at the dinner.
Concha Y Toro carries several wine brands including Don Melchor, Marques de Casa Concha, Casillero del Diablo, Trio, Sunrise and Frontera. The said brands are distributed by Fly Ace Corporation in the Philippines.
Another great holiday gift idea for colleagues and loved ones. Wine is never wasted.
Cheers!
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