First Tasting of Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Wines
This was a night of elegance and style: A Bangalore Wine Club sit-down dinner entitled, Reserves at the Palace on Saturday, October 24, 2009, which featured the first tasting of the Four Seasons Barrique Reserve wines by UB. This was something that those who follow Indian wine trends closely were looking forward to eagerly, writes Ruma Singh. Left: Abhay Kewadkar and Sanjay Roy of the UB Group
The wines were matched by impeccably prepared cuisine specially created by Leela Palace's Chef Rudolf Eichele.The buzz about the two yet-to-be-launched Reserves, the Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz and the Cabernet Sauvignon had been growing ever since their debut at Vinexpo 2009 in Bordeaux. Since then, wine lovers had heard that even Steven Spurrier had given his nod of approval at a private tasting session....
The evening at the Leela Palace started with a reception where guests were served excellent canapés along with chilled flutes of the favourite sparkler, Bouvet Ladubey Brut. As BWC members and select invitees sat down in the elegantly appointed Royal Ballroom of the Leela Palace, done up for the occasion in white, gold and red, the dinner commenced.
The Four Seasons Sauvignon Blanc Classic (a classic sauvignon blanc, perfectly balanced and refreshing) that was paired with Pear Parfait with Pistachio Praline and Micro greens, was declared a hit with the first course, while the Lobster Corn Bisque with Chantilly Chive paired well with the Four Seasons Viognier Classic (a young, golden fruity wine with a lingering finish - another first tasting in Bangalore).
The main course was well received too - Braised Barbarie Duck Leg, Risotto Milanese with Wild Mushroom and Pomerol Glaze was served with both the Reserve reds: the Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (complex and rich, with aromas of blackcurrent and a lingering finish - instantly declared a 'keeper') and the Four Seasons Barrique Reserve Shiraz (spicy notes and earthy on the palate, a true, full-bodied Shiraz).
The grand finale saw the Bouvet Ladubay Rubis Excellence Rouge, N.V (a perfect pairing with chocolate) served with the delectable Duo of Valrhona Chocolate.
Guests present included Vijay Rekhi, President and Managing Director, United Spirits Limited, Andrew Hendrain, General Manager Leela Palace and several other notable names besides members of the BWC. As the dinner concluded, the diners lingered over coffee and petit fours with high praise for the wines, "Indian wines have come a long way! Tonight was proof of that."
Right: Guests at the event
