FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

Porcini and Artichokes (Artichoke
Ragout Stuffed Ravioli with Parmesan
Fondue and Artichoke Chips for the
vegetarians).
FINE Event
The New Zealand Trade Commissioner,
Jane Cunliffe, traces the success of the
Sauvignon Blanc grape in New Zealand
since it was planted first less than 50
years ago. Somewhat lesser known
than Marlborough, Martinborough
is where Palliser Estate is – just across
the hill from Wellington in the North
Island. H.E. Joanna Kempkers, the New
Zealand High Commissioner, describes
their 2017 Sauvignon Blanc as serious,
subtle and textural whilst still infusing vibrant tropical and
citrus fruit characteristics, on a brisk, racy palate.
Mary Kay Loss Carlson, Deputy Chief of Mission of the
American Embassy is presenting a very affordable and
accessible Pinot Noir – Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve
2013 – from California, which takes credit for 90% of the
fine wine produced in America. She describes the wine as a
complex blend of floral and earthy notes. Long legs, strong
and spicy.
It’s time for the mains – the Sous Vide Duck Breast with
Celeriac Choucroute, Foie Gras, Bulgar Wheat and Berries
(Quinoa and Caponata with Crisp Baby Vegetables and
Carrot Dressing for the vegetarians) – and with it, the
Encinillas Megacero Premium Blend 2015
from Mexico and the José Maria da Fonseca
Periquitta Azeitão 2015 from Portugal.
H.E. Melba Pria, Ambassador of Mexico,
teleports us to Chihuahua – where the
birthplace of the wine, La Hacienda de
Encinillas, is nestled by the Apaches and not
far from the tercentenary Camino Real de
Tierra Adentro, the historic trade tracks now
world heritage – and asks for our indulgence.
“Take your wine. Take a big sip. No, don’t
drink it! Roll your tongue on the upper palate.
Freeze just there. And start to breathe (if you
can)! Don’t drink it yet! Don’t drink it yet!
Let your tongue run dry. Now drink it. That’s
what the desert tastes like and that’s what
FINE WINE & CHAMPAGNE INDIA
15