LWIN LEE | WINE TASTING @ LA BODEGA, BSC (BANGSAR SHOPPING CENTRE)

Voila!

Riding coincidentally and gastronomically during this month-long gourmet festival (MIGF 2014) is none other than the recent Chilean wine tasting event held at the award winning continental restaurant, La Bodega, which is located prominently at the salient locality of Bangsar. Throughout the evening, invited guests were introduced to 6 varieties of exclusive wines from the Santa Digna and Cordillera range.

A lively and casual atmosphere was what you need quintessentially for an indulgent degustation, hence, the al fresco setting was the perfect venue.

Invited guests were treated to an array of sumptuous authentic Spanish flairs that includes seafood paella and appetizing  canapes among others, to complement the wine gustation night.

Among the signatures served to whet the palate of the gourmets were………..

ARROZ NEGRO CON CALAMARES Y ALLIOLI
Spanish rice cooked in a paella with squid ink and squids, topped off with garlic mayonnaise and tiger prawns.

Effortlessly enticing humongous pan of paella dish, cooked with calamari rings and big succulent prawns in squid ink. Love the mildly texturized rice grains that blended well with the tangy aioli sauce.

   

This authentic rendition served here was comparatively more convincing and delectable than the one previously savoured at La Cocina. Perhaps I prefer the less peppery taste that is not too overpowering but yet still very flavourful and mouthwatering in fact.

Buen provecho!

PATATAS BRAVAS
Potatoes in spicy tomato sauce and garlic mayonnaise.

CANAPES
Zesty and sweet-sour pairing that lives up to a simple yet lovely bite-sized nosh.

PINCHOS MORUNOS

Marinated chicken on toast with garlic mayonnaise.

Pleasantly juicy and mouthwatering in every bites!

WHITE TUNA SKEWER WITH SPICY HARISSA

Chunky bites of tuna meat- surely a joy to any fish lover.

ALMEJAS CON MANZANILLA

Sauteed Clams in Sherry Wine

Fresh clams  were subtly cooked and enlivened in the light cream gravy. Simply toothsome!

ALBONDIGAS SAINT CLIMENT 

Lamb meatballs in a rich brandy sauce 

MINI CHOCOLATE BROWNIE WITH BASIL CREAM

For sweet tooth who wish to satisfy your lill’ cravings for dessert. It would taste much better with more moisture in it.

Soon the wine tasting night kicked off with the celebrated premium selections of Chilean exclusive wines.

CORDILLERA CARIGNAN 2009 (MAULE VALLEY)

Intensely pigmented colours of ruby. Floral and fruity aroma on a background of toasted notes from the cask. On the palate, it’s expansive and develops beautifully. The notes in its aroma are now complemented by hints of bay and mint.

CORDILLERA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 (MAIPO VALLEY)

Touted exclusively as "Small production, artisan wines", it's no surprise that it captures our palate lusciously that night as the best bottle for the red wine range.

Dark and intense ruby colour. Exquisite scent with classic notes of wild fruits, blackberries and a touch of a leather. In the palate, it tastes of great elegance, soft tannins and a long aftertaste of fruits and spices, ending on notes of toasted bread.

  

CORDILLERA CHARDONNAY 2011 (Limari Valley)

Fresh and fruity aroma with dominant notes of peach, white plum and grapefruit with touches of toasted hazelnuts. Mineral on the palate with great volume and an elegant acidity with rich fruity long-lasting aromas and a fresh, pleasant aftertaste.

SANTA DIGNA RESERVA CHARDONNAY 2013 (CENTRAL VALLEY)

Pale yellow colour with greenish hue. Aromas of mango and apricot, enriched by citric notes. Fine balance between intensity and acidity on the palate with a very fruity aftertaste.

SANTA DIGNA RESERVA CARMENERE 2012 (CENTRAL VALLEY)

Cherry colour with fine mulberry aromas and balsamic touches of eucalyptus that culminate in a sublime hint of mandarin oranges. Elegant on the palate with sweet tannins and nuances of leathers and spices. Pleasant toasted background.

SANTA DIGNA RESERVA MERLOT 2011 (CENTRAL VALLEY)

Great aromatic intensity, plum and blackberry jam mixed with spicy hints of vanilla and liquorice. A very attractive and elegant palate, enriched with toasted notes acquired through its oak ageing and a long after taste with lingering spices.

Joining us with a glass of vino was Gabriel Fernandez, the Miguel Torres Export Area Manager who is currently based in Shanghai and would travel to Malaysia 4 times a year, seen enjoying the occasion 
with the affable Francis.

It was a lovely occasion undeniably. Everyone was seen relishing in the wonderful night of food and wine affair, sharing light camaraderie among wine aficionados as well as newly fostered comradeship. The skill of appreciating wine is not something that is come-at-able, withal it would gradually flourish and prosper as you continue to explore more and venture open-mindedly.

 

   

  

Glad that now I have more alternatives when it comes to savouring wines, other than Alsatian and New Zealand bottles, thanks to Joyce, CK and Ai Leen for the epicurean invitation. Let’s have a merry toast next round!

Cheers and Carpe Diem!

Location :

Ground Floor, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285 Jalan Maarof,  Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur

Operations hours: Daily, 8am-1am

Contact:  +603 2287 2768

Website       : www.bodega.com.my/labodega

                      www.torreswines.com

                      www.migueltorreschile.com

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