Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery has recently held a wine dinner in collaboration with Elementos Tapas & Lounge @ Hompton By The Beach in Penang on 31 July 2019. Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1993 with a vision of producing premium, expressive and innovative wines that convey the spirit of the new world. The company distinguishes itself by three main features: the creative use of technology, orientation towards quality and respect for the environment. Cono Sur´s name refers to the company´s geographic position, representing wines proudly made in South America´s southern cone, on whose western edge lies Chile and its gifted wine valleys. Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery is the third exporter of bottled wine in Chile.
The wine dinner was hosted by Mr. José Tomás Gillet, Export Manager Asia for Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery. He explained that certain dishes are paired better with certain wines to enhance and balance off the flavors, aromas and weight of both the meal and the wine. That’s the reason he has worked closely with the kitchen team of the hotel to come out with the ideal meal for the night.
The wines served on the night consisted of Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Cono Sur Bicicieta Reserva Chardonnay 2018, Cono Sur Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2017, Cono Sur Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2017, Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grape 2017 and Cono Sur 20 Barrel Carmenere 2017.
We started off our dinner with the ideal wine to pair with our dishes prior to the serving of our next dish as below:
Cocktail Session: Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Grape varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting notes: This Sauvignon Blanc has a bright and clean greenish-yellow coloring. The nose displays treat aromatic intensity with notes of citrus, white flowers and pineapple. A balanced mouth with good concentration, acidity and persistence. Excellent for serving with seafood, salads, chicken, cheeses and vegetarian dishes.
Appetizer: Roasted Pumpkin Baby Spinach Salad with Feta Cheese and Honey Balsamic Dressing
Cono Sur Bicicieta Reserva Chardonnay 2018
Grape varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting notes: Yellow color with golden hints. Exuberant and complex, this wine conveys refreshing citrus aromas, fruity notes of white peaches, along with mineral hints. In mouth complex fruity flavors mingle in with lovely mineral notes.
2nd Course: Chill Summer Gazpacho
Cono Sur Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2017
Grape varietal: Chardonnay
Tasting notes: A young, clean Chardonnay with good intensity in the nose, expressing aromas of pineapple, orange blossom and citrus. In mouth this wine is concentrated, fresh, balanced and persistent. Ideal for serving with seafood, salads and white meats.
3rd Course: Lemon Sherbet Zest
4th Course: Pan Seared Salmon with Miso Beurre Blanc served with Green Peas Quenelle with Vegetables
Cono Sur Reserva Especial Pinot Noir 2017
Grape varietal: Pinot Noir
Tasting notes: Crisp, distinct notes of plum, morello cherry and raspberry combine harmonically with subtler floral, coffee and chocolate hints. Expressive, balanced and pleasantly lingering.
5th Course: Combination of Red Angus Beef Wrapped in Phyllo Pastry Green Pepper Corn Sauce & Ostrich Spinach Stuffing served with Apple Cilantro Chimichurri with Duchess Potato and Luxury Seasonal Vegetables
Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grape 2017
Grape varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec / Grenache / Carignan / Carmenere / Petit Verdot / Petit Syrah / Mouvedre
Tasting notes: This red blanc presents a deep ruby red color with violet hues. Its complex nose displays aromas of red fruits, like plum and berries with well-incorporated hints of licorice and mocks. On the mouth, it presents good concentration and volume. This wine is elegant and round, with soft and silky tannins and a persistent finish. Enjoy it with all kinds of red meats and mature cheeses.
6th Course: Cheese Platter
Cono Sur 20 Barrel Carmenere 2017
Grape varietals: Carmenere / Syrah
Tasting notes: A dark ruby red, this Carmenere has complex aromas with notes of blueberries, cassis and a spicy leather finish. The palate is both powerful and elegant with a beautiful concentration. Firm tannins and structure make this wine ideal for serving with smoked beef, pasta salads, spinach and tomatoes.
Dessert: Flambe Dessert (Banana/Orange/Sauvignon)
Elementos Tapas & Lounge @ Homptom By The Beach, Penang | 533 Jalan C.M. Hashim, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Penang, Malaysia. | Tel: +604-373 3233 | Operation Hours: 11.30am-12.00am | GPS Coordinates: 5.463570, 100.305171 | Facebook: www.facebook.com/homptonhotelpenang/ |