The Tatler Dining Guide Philippines
ALAIN BORGERS
A. TAITTINGER COMTES DE CHAMPAGNE 2000
Having lived for five years in Paris before being re-assigned in Manila a year ago, I got used to drinking champagne like we would drink San Miguel in the Philippines. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne would be classified as a rare vintage champagne at half the price of its main competitors (Dom Perignon, Cristal Roederer, Krug). The 2000 vintage is very fresh, smooth and well balanced with rich and toasty flavours and a creamy foam with fine bubbles. It is best savoured as an aperitif, like in Paris, preferably with fresh oysters, or enjoyed with a light meal. It should be enjoyed this year, and is available from Werdenberg International.
B. MOUNT EDEN, DOMAINE EDEN, CHARDONNAY SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS 2009, CALIFORNIA
The Santa Cruz Mountains are located in California, high above the Santa Clara Valley. This Chardonnay is a classic from California, grown in French Burgundy Barrel. The wine is still young and oaky and would need some decanting when you open the bottle. It is vibrant, showing lively acidity and sharp citrus with some green apple. The wine will get better with time. I recently tried it with a Japanese gindara fish from Inagiku and it worked very well. It is available at Premium Wine Exchange.
C. EGON MULLER SCHARZHOLBERGER RIESLING SAAR 2011
German wines are a wellkept secret for Philippine connoisseurs. I must say it is rather complicated to understand their terminology and classification. Nonetheless most of them, especially the Rieslings, should be a first choice to take with Chinese food, instead of the classic Chardonnay wines or any kind of red. 2011 has been a good year for German Riesling, delivering a good level of fruits and depth. Some are even of very high quality. Those wines could age very well for at least 5-10 years. Among the large selection proposed by Premier Wine Exchange, I would recommend the reasonably priced and simple 2011 from Egon Muller
mentioned here. It is light, fruity, vibrant, ripe and robust. There are more selections from renowned houses as well, such as Fritz Haag, Egon Muller or Joh. Jos. Prum. Enjoy now or discover later.
D. BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA NICASIA 2008, ARGENTINA
If you want to get away from the traditional Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, here is a Malbec wine from Argentina, with a very strong dominance of Malbec grape. The Nicasia 2008 is a fine wine to drink now; it is ripe and rather concentrated. You will find a mixed bag of crushed red berries with a medium to short juicy finish. It is a soft and well balanced wine. Try it with a chicken dish as it’s not too powerful. 2008 might not have been the best year in Argentina’s recent wine history but the professional approach from the reputable Bodega Catena Zapata house has produced something well above average. It is available from Bacchus International.
E. CHATEAU NEUF DU PAPE, DOMAINE DE NALYS, 2009
This red wine is blended with up to a dozen different grapes. The Domaine de Nalys 2009 is high in acidity and tannin, like most of the 2009 red wines from the Southern Rhone Valley in France. The wine has a good degree of alcohol that can last a few more years. This is a value for money wine. Tasting of pure fruits, it would go best with a beef casserole or a lamb stew. Contrary to what people believe, Chateau Neuf du Pape should be taken while young and this wine is no exception. Enjoy! It is available from Werdenberg International.