Burp and Slurp!

Bargain pick of the month - Midsummer heat-friendly wines!

2011-07-25T12:46:00.000+08:00

I buy wines regularly for everyday drinking - and my dad is a great supporter and from time to time financier. The definition of great wines can focus on the wine's price-to-quality ratio. Cheers to great value!

Jules Syrah Grenache/ Jules Sauvignon Blanc Colombard $

Jules Syrah Grenache Vin de pays des côtes catalanes from Southwestern France

Coming to that, I have to give a special mention to this pair of red and white, both tasted in April 2011 and again on last Saturday night when I was joined by a couple of my closest university friends for a Southeast Asian style casual wine dinner at my place.

The red approaches me as an easy-going wine with smooth tannins. The nose opens up to a bouquet of very ripe, almost jammy strawberries typical of Grenache. On the palate, a lot of strawberries, notes of roasted meat filter through in mid-palate. Some spices on the finish.

The white greets me with strong wafts of gooseberries (typical of the inherent expressivity of Sauvignon Blanc) with white sesame notes. Citrussy palate dominated by lime and lemon. Green peppery notes on the mid palate and supple spices at the finish. A simple, refreshing white for the summer which reflects well the varietals’ traits.

P.S. Hear now - I am going to give away a bottle of the Colombard next month! Still thinking about how I am going to decide who to give it to... give me some ideas? "First come first snatch" sounds kind of dumb to me...

Tracing my journey to learn about food and wine!

2011-07-24T23:25:00.000+08:00

First of all, thanks for dropping by my new food and wine blog. This blog is in no way an indication that I am any sort of "expert" or "authority". Rather, it encapsulates my passion for food and wine and most importantly, my wish to share what I know and meaningful information.

Definition of good life at Paris - long lunches, al fresco under ample sunshine, yummy food!

Coming with the July heat is a nonstop wave of birthdays of my mother and sister, my friends and me myself! Whilst you may consider dropping me a Happy Birthday comment, please, what would make me happier is for you to tell me ONE thing that you would want to read in my upcoming posts!

The signature floating bridge at Bordeaux Vinexpo

Last month I have been to Bordeaux and Paris for 10 days where I visited the two beautiful cities and enjoyed flights after flights of great wines. In July I took a break from travel only to get ready for August where I'll be going to Thailand for 10 days to visit the wineries there and take as cooking classes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai! In between, I will visit all the floating markets, and go visit historical sights at Ayutthaya and join monk talks to gain a better glimpse of this wonderful country.

At the Tim Atkin MW's Spanish wine masterclass: From Tempranillo to Albarino and Verdejo

Last but not least, I wish you all good food, great wines and gorgeous summer days ahead!

Have it sparkly and bubbly this summer!

2011-07-24T23:15:00.000+08:00

Last Saturday, Ross from Asia Vintners hosted an early-morning private tasting session of 7 sparkling wines, each with its own unique expressive traits. The following are some bubbly picks for anyone of you who is looking for chilled, refreshing sips in the realm of midsummer heat.

Devaux Champagne

Champagne - Devaux Champagne Cuvee Ultra $$$
Gave it a sniff and I knew I want to have smoked salmon with this wine. Expressive, with good smokiness and minerality. This is a light, savoury wine where nuances of oceanic saltiness filter through delicate notes of white peach, lime and citrus fruits.

Le Grand Cros Maitresse Methode Traditionelle NV

Sparkling Provence white - Le Grand Cros Maitresse Methode Traditionelle nv $$
On lees for 7 months. Medium plus body. Frozen grape juice from late harvest Syrah gives this wine a very ripe flavour profile of strawberries and peach. Ticklish bubbles. Sesame notes and slight hint of smokiness on the finish. Rustic style.

Moxie Sparkling Shiraz NV

Sparkling Aussie red - Moxie Sparkling Shiraz NV $$$
Typical Syrah character giving the wine very intense red fruits whilst fair dose of residual sugar adds viscosity that’s cut back only by the rather aggressive bubbles. Very ripe to almost jammy strawberries, licorice (in candy form) and bubblegum at the finish. It’s a typical party wine and the label (naked women silhouettes) makes sure you know that.