Wine & Unwind: Miguel Torres Wine Tasting @ Ceggo BoardRoom

It is not common to be able to taste wines of different origin at an event unless you are talking about wine fairs and showcases. Such is the case for this event. Held at Ceggo Boardroom, Taman Danau Desa, We were honored to have Mr Gabriel Fernandez of Miguel Torres to introduce a total of 5 types of wines from 2 Origins namely Chile and Spain.

Out of the 5 type of wines, 3 are from Chile while 2 are from Spain. Miguel Torres winery is located at one of the oldest wine region in Chile which is the region of Curico. While, Jean Leon winery is located in the region of Penedes, Spain. Worth mentioning that Chile is free from phylloxera louse which means grape can grows from their original vines and need not to be grafted. This in return promised good and quality grape yields. Based on interview with Mr Gabriel, the vines used are more than 100 years old!! However so, Miguel Torres has limited production of their wines range as an assurance to their client that only the best are being produced and is absolutely a value for money wines.

The first wine of the night was Miguel Torres Cordilera Chardonnay, if you like apple and vanilla, you would indefinitely feel in love with this wine. I have to say, it was one of the best Chardonnay I had so far :). On the nose, apart from apple and vanilla, you will be able to find hazelnut fruit aromas, complemented by fine nuances of toasted bread. Overall, the palate is meaty and dense, well outlined by delicate acidity. This chardonnay would fair well with starters such as Brie, Gruyere and Provolone cheese.

Next on the menu are the Jean Leon wines, we started with Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Rsv 2005 before proceding with Jean Leon Merlot, Vinya Palau 2006. Bear in minds these wines are 7-8 years old. Averagely, wines are best consumed not more than 5 years from their production date but there are some exceptions :) and these wines are definitely one of them. What made them good was despite their age, the wines tannins were kept at a balance level especially the Cabernet Sauvignon which is a full bodied wine but the tannins were not heavy at all! This means that both of these wines are extremely versatile in food pairing ..Cool!

Another fascination of Jean Leon wines are their grape varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These grapes were directly imported from France as Mr Jean Leon believes that this varietal would fit the balmy Mediterranean climate perfectly.

Miguel Torres Cordilera Carinena

After the Spanish wines, we were back to Chilean wines but now to is to taste one of the rare gems of Chilean Wines. The gem we are talking about is Carignan, this is actually a Spain/ French wine grape variety and it is not common to be found in Chile but Miguel Torres is among the few which has this grape varietal in their vineyard. The blend with Merlot and Syrah produces a very unique taste, it was rather long ending with a tint of spiceness. So far, this was my favorite wine for that night.

Although so, some of my"wine kakis" that night beg to differ as they like the last wine of the night which was Miguel Torres Manso De Velasco, a single vineyard wine. This means that The Single Vineyard of Manso de Velasco is devoted exclusively to the Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is an intense and deeply-pigmented wine with palate of great dimension, round and complex coupled with appreciating fruity notes, clove and cocoa.