French Wine Tasting

CEBU, Philippines - A week or so later, Billy Mondoñedo of The Tinder Box again sent out invitations to loyal patrons and friends for another evening of camaraderie and bonhomie while appreciating and discussing, with fellow enthusiasts, the complexity, structure and style of French vintages.

This time, we had the expertise of Jerome F. Philippon, from Sommelier Selection [2295 Don Chino Roces Ave., Magallanes, Makati City tel. (632)840-4211, fax 892-9928/ www.sommelierselection.info/[email protected]], to guide us through the intricacies of the French labels. He however kept his introductory speech short, calling our attention to the 15 wine producing regions in France, from where wines are associated in terms of individual characteristics.

We were promised 20 bottles for tasting that night, but there were 22 total! Of course, the guests were charmed with the very convenient state-of-the-art wine dispensers that allow you to have a small portion, enabling you to venture to more bottles in the array. And, as expected, the hors d’ouvres and dessert spreads of Tinderbox were fantastic.

The WHITE WINES:   Southern France 2007 (Gaillac, Fraicheur Perlee), Languedoc Rousillion 2008 (Croix Belle Muscat Sec), Alsace 2006 (Les Pinots d’Alsace – Metiss), Bourgogne 2006 (Bourgogne Aligate, Clos de Bruyeres) – I tried this on my own and liked this, Bourgogne 2008 (Domaine des Terres Dorees, Chardonnay Beaujolais), Bourgogne 2004 (Domaine Thevenel, Roally) – I liked this wine. I think This was suggested by Monsieur Philippon for me to try.

The ROSE WINES: Southern Rhone 2006 (VDP du Gard, Alexis Syrah Grenache Rose), Provence 2007 (Chateau de Roquefort – Corail)

The RED WINES: Southern Rhone 2007 (Alexis Syrah Grenache Red), Southern Rhone 2008 (VDP du Gard, Alexis Syrah), Southern Rhone 2007 (VDP du Gard, Cuvee des Galets), Languedoc Roussillon 2007 (Domaine Croix Belle – Croix Belle Cabernet Sauvignon), Bordeaux 2007 (Chateau Tire Pe, Chateau Tire Pe Diem), Roussillion 2006 (Coteaux du Languedoc, Domain Clavel, Le Mas), Languedoc Roussillion 2007 (VDP d’Oc, Cox Pinot Noir), Southern Rhone 2006 (Costieres de Nimes, Domaine de Perilliere), Southern Rhone 2007 (Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de Pierredon), Loire Valley 2007 (Chinon, Domaine Bernard Baudry, Les Granges), Bordeaux 2004 ( Puisseguin St. Emillon, Chateau Guibeau), Languedoc Roussillion 2006 (Fitou, Cuvee Privilege), Southern Rhone 2006 (Gigondas, Domaine la Roubine) and Lapalu Bourgogne 2006 (Brouilly, La Croix des Rameaux)

I was at an advantage as I was in the company of Louis Thevenin, Director of the newly established Alliance Francaise in Cebu, with his lovely wife Honey. Louis is from Bourgogne, one of the ancient established wine regions, so we were enjoying some of the best reds that evening. Proof of the distinction of our choices was the fact that the bottles were empty by the time we went for more. Our favorites include the Bordeaux 2004 of Puisseguin St. Emillion. This is of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon varietals, producing a cherry and toasty aroma in rich garnet hue.

Another fave is the Southern Rhone 2006 Gigondas, of grenache, syrah, mourvedre and cinsault varietals. This has a black currant aroma, with tobacco and black pepper undertones. And our third choice was the Bourgogne 2006 Brouilly. This had a raspberry aroma with a refreshing finnese.

As what Monsieur Philippon emphasizes, French wines are not expensive IF you know how to choose – and the best way is through the guidance of an established sommelier whose life it is to locate the best wineries, discover their value-for-money vintages and make these bottles available to wine lovers wherever they are. In Cebu, Tinderbox has a sommelier to help wine enthusiasts make wise purchases.

Cheers!