An excellent wine dinner at Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi provided an opportunity to know more about the magnificent Edmond de Rothschild universe of wines, writes Romain Bonnaud. Organized within the spacious lounges of The Chambers, this event shed light on Château Clarke and Château Malmaison with an expert commentary by Florent Mougin, Asia Pacific Export Manager. Pictured left. We were welcomed by a glass of Champagne Pommery Brut Royal in which seductive liveliness turned out to be the perfect mouth-watering starter with a selection of finger food.
Then it was time for a four-course dinner served by a very attentive team wearing white gloves in the pure tradition of fine catering. The dynamic Marketa Sitarova, the hotel’s head of sommeliers, took care of the presentation of the wines with attentive service and specialist know-how.
Château Clarke was served in two different vintages: 2007 and 2001. Baron Edmond the Rothschild purchased this historic estate in 1973 and entirely renovated it. Now his son Benjamin keeps on displaying a passion for excellence, producing a concentrated and elegant wine with a majority of Merlot grapes grown in a clay-limestone soil, which is quite unique on the Left Bank of the Bordeaux region. While 2007 distinguishes itself by a very expressive nose and a great energy, the 2001 is a more complex wine, well balanced with silky texture and delicate tannins.
Château Malmaison was presented in two other vintages selected by Florent Mougin and the importer Brindco: 2004 and 1999. This estate located in the Moulis appellation is probably one of the oldest in the Médoc area. The grape variety mix is also dominated by Merlot, which provides smoothness to the wine. During the dinner the 2004 seemed a little bit closed while the 1999 treated us with delightful notes of cedar, rich mocha and leather. It was, however, undeniably a good pairing with the accomplished tenderloin medallion and its cherry compote!
