Sommelier’s Recommendation

2007 Château Puynard Tradition, 1er Cotes de Blaye
h– PHP 1,200
An old region of Bordeaux making a serious comeback, primarily an expression of Merlot supported by 15% or so of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, wines are round, crisp and not massively framed, lovely to drink anytime in a day.

2011 Mâcon Rouge "Pierreclos", Lupè-Cholet, Mâconnaise
h– PHP 990
Seriously underrated, great value especially for fans of classic Pinots from southern warmer climates; attractive perfumed nose, warm texture of flesh and clearn, rich flavors, lend well to beef, grilled meat, steaks and game

2010 Mercurey, Lupè-Cholet, Côte Chalonnaise
h– PHP 1,200
The largest appellation of the Côte Chalonnaise region of Burgundy producing seductive looking wine with a nose of raspberry and some black currant. On the palate, spicy notes combine with leather and brown tobacco to deliver a wine a complexity and depth that make for an interesting wine to savor even just on its own. This is one of those wines that connoisseurs go to for reliable gratification without paying excessively for a more famous label.

2008 Pommard, Lupè-Cholet, Côte de Beaune
h– PHP 1,800

Pommard’s reputation of force and tenacity belongs in the 19th century. 20th century renditions lean towards subtle richness resulting in a sensuous wine with deep, complex flavors. This matured version exhibits notes of leather, chocolate and pepper. With tannins now resolved, the wine’s velvety texture makes for a delicious accompaniment to natural flavors of game and red meat

2011 Pouilly-Fuisse, Lupè-Cholet, Pouilly-Fuisse
h –PHP 1,500
Located in the southern end of Mâconnaise sub-region of Burgundy, the vines are planted in steep slops with soilds of Jurassic Lias limestone cuestas, enjoying exposure of south to east. This 100% Chardonnay white wine was vinified in stainless steel vats at 20-22C to preserve natural fruit flavors, and just 10% in oak casks to deliver some roundess and volume to the wine. In addition to seafood, many fans of White Burgundy will enjoy this Pouilly-Fuisse with poultry in white sauces also.

2010 Saint-Veran, Lupè-Cholet, Saint-Veran
h –PHP 1,500

One of several new AOCs from the Mâconnaise wine region in southern parts of Burgundy adjacent to the famous Pouilly Fuisse communes; citrusy white wines sharp on the attack, dry with well-rounded texture, mineral notes, well-focused finish, quite a harmonious package of fat and acidity, a really white wine to enjoy with seafood, risottos and even slightly salty dishes.

2009 Mâcon-Villages Blanc, Lupè-Cholet, Mâcon
h –PHP 1,200
. Located in the southern end of Burgundy, the wines of Mâcon has been an oasis for fans of Burgundy wines looking for classic white wines at reasonable prices. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the Mâcon-Villages is vivacious, smooth, quite full but not oversized, inviting aromas of white roses and critrus fruits which leads into a dry and crisp wine on the palate with luscious and well-fruited flavors and a smooth mouth-feel. Often enjoyed before dinner this Mâcon-Villages go remarkably well with slightly salty food, poultry and meat in creamy sauces and grilled fish.

2010 Mâcon-Villages Blanc, Lupè-Cholet, Loire,
h –PHP 1,200
Located in the southern end of Burgundy, the wines of Mâcon has been an oasis for fans of Burgundy wines looking for classic white wines at reasonable prices. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the Mâcon-Villages is vivacious, smooth, quite full but not oversized, inviting aromas of white roses and critrus fruits which leads into a dry and crisp wine on the palate with luscious and well-fruited flavors and a smooth mouth-feel. Often enjoyed before dinner this Mâcon-Villages go remarkably well with slightly salty food, poultry and meat in creamy sauces and grilled fish.

2011 Mâcon-Lugny, Lupè-Cholet, Mâcon
h– PHP 1,400
Grown in soils that are alkaline with marls and clay with Jurassic limestone, Lupè-cholet has produced a splendid Mâcon-Lugny of good fruitness with notes of peach, apricot and white flowers on the nose. On the palate, it is fleshy, a healthy dose of minerals and a well-balanced and long finish. Many wine lovers will enjoy this white wine which is made from 100% Chardonnay, with very good fish, cold cuts and white meats. Cheese lovers might even drink it with dry goat cheese.

2005 Ch. Liot, Sauternes, Sauternes
h –PHP 1,900
Made from mainly Semillon grapes with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc for extra vigor, this wine is luscious but not too thick and heavy. The 45-year-old vines produced grapes with intense flavors resulting in wine of lengthy fruit and honeyed flavors. Many will enjoy this delightful sweet wine with Crème Brûlée and other mildly sweet, slightly creamy dessert while others will order it for foie gras.

2011 Pavillon de la Brie, Monbazillac
h –PHP 1,900
A lovely French dessert wine. Rich with and mouth filling burst of concentrated flavour. Dried sweet fruit on the finish, an overall quite complex wine.

NV Cava Artelatino Brut Metodo Tradicional, Spain
h –PHP 990
Cava used to be a cheap no-thrill alternative to Champagne. Higher-end Cava is now made in the expensive Méthode Champenoise, the Champagne method, also called Metodo Tradicional. Made primarily from Macabeo, Xarel and Parellada, this Champagne-like sparkling wine is dry, crisp, stimulating and can be enjoyed on its own before or after dinner.

2010 Santa Maria Chardonnay Casablanca, Chile
h –PHP 900
Located in Chile’s Aconcagua region, the vines are planted on clay and sandy soils and enjoy cool foggy mornings thanks to its proximity to the ocean. This is God-sent for producers of high quality white wines. It is therefore no great surprise that the Chardonnay is crisp and vigorous, fruity and very attractive.

2007 Chardonnay, Flinders Choice, Maule Valley, Chile
p –PHP 270
Maule is Chile’s largest winegrowing region. Climate here is dry and sunny with rainfall of a mere 28 inches a year. The nights tend to be very cool which causes the grapes to generate lots of acidity. Resulting wines are crisp and refreshing.

2012 Tempranillo Don Luciano, La Mancha
h –PHP 700
Almost synonymous with Spanish wines, Tempranillo is the wine grape that has brought international recognition and respect to Spanish red wines. There are many renditions of Tempranillo ranging from easy-drinking to deep and broodingly complex. This tempranillo from the very large wine producing region of La Mancha, home to the fabled Don Quixote is a non-esoteric version what showcases the fruity nature of the wine. Although it is easy to appreciate, the wine is by no means of inferior quality. It is to be appreciated for what it is designed to be – for everyday enjoyment.

April 1st, 2014 in Sommelier Selection 2013, Wine List