The Wine Guide For Every Occasion in Manila
Whether it’s a weekday fun with your colleague or a Saturday-night crowd pleaser, there’s always a wine that is available for any kind of celebrations.
For those of us who are far from being seasoned sommeliers, picking up wines can be a daunting experience. This feature will encourage readers to be more adventurous about wines without spending a fortune – you just have to know where to look for them.
Here’s a guide to the finest sparkling, white, and red wines that are not only budget-friendly but also perfect for any occasions.
Dine Out With Friends
1. Finca Flichman Gestos Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina) from Santis Delicatessen
Gestos, created to enhance the unique vertical expression from two different terroirs in Mendoza. Elaborated with identical percentages of grapes from two different regions, the vines located at 700 meters above sea level, provide maturity, color and body; while the vines from 1100 meters above sea level, adds freshness, structure and complexity.
Vintage year: 2014
Best food pairing: red meats
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 14%
2. “Quota 29” Primitivo IGP Salento (Puglia) from iTrulli
Soil: shallow red soil on layers of calcareous rock
Wine making processes: pre-fermentary maceration, temperature controlled fermentation, partial refining in oak barrels / Colour: strong ruby red with a violet tint / Flavor: pleasant, fresh, clear and expressive / Bouquet: ripe morello cherries, mint and blackberries
Best food pairing: salted meat, cold cuts, bacon fat ham, ragout of mixed meat, roast lamb, grilled potato, partially matured cheeses
Grape Varietal: 100% Primitivo
Vintage year: 2013
Alcohol percentage/Volume: 14%
3. Cartlidge and Browne Cabernet Sauvignon (North Coast, California) from The Wine Club
Cartlidge and Browne is the original garage winery! Like a classic muscle car, C&B Cabernet Sauvignon’s sleek lines belie its power and endurance. Sure this bold dark beauty is racy. But though it is quick to accelerate, it downshifts into a smooth finish. Revved up and ready to go now, you can trust that a little age won’t slow it down. True high performance. Vintage year: 2014
Best food pairing: Rib Eye Steak, Roast Lamb, Pasta Bolognese
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 13.5%
Family Events
1. Charles de Fere Chardonnay Brut (France) from Santis Delicatessen
Made exclusively from Chardonnay grape variety, Charles de Fere Chardonnay is made using the traditional method. This wine has a golden yellow color, develops complex reflections honey aromas evolving into fruity notes, the bounce has a nice size and good persistance serve chilled between 6°-8°.
Best food pairing: as an aperitif or with light appetizers, seafood, cheeses etc.
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 12%
2. Lambrusco DOC i Quercioli Reggiano Dolce (Emilia Romagna) from iTrulli
Colour: bright ruby red / Bouquet: fruity and persistent with violet scent / Taste: sweet, fruity, fresh, lively, pleasantly harmonious / Froth: fine and rich when poured
Classification: sparkling sweet red wine at natural fermentation
Vintage year: 2015
Best food pairing: Suitable with fruits, desserts and pizza.
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 8.5% vol.
3. Navigator Cabernet Sauvignon (Lodi, California) from The Wine Club
A saturated ruby color fills the glass on this Cabernet, while concentrated aromas of ripe blue fruits, cherries, black raspberry, and cassis envelop the nose. Sweet jam, raspberry coulis, and candied berries blend seamlessly on the velvety soft palate, and carry this wine through to a bold yet luxurious finish without a hint of bitterness or bite.
Vintage year: 2014
Best food pairing: Adobo, Teriyaki, Beefsteak Tagalog
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 14.4%
Date Night
1. Bernard Magrez Mon Seul Reve “My Only Dream” (France) from Santis Delicatessen
Mon Seul Reve 2001 is the first and foremost red wine produced from Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Mourverde grapes. Blending is done after fermentation and aging are complete.
Vintage year: 2011
Best food pairing: red meats
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 14.5%
2. Prosecco Marai De Marai Extra Dry (Veneto) from iTrulli
Capacity: 0,75-1,5-3 liters / Type: white
Colour: light straw yellow / Flavor: savory and fresh notes supported by discrete soft and pseudo caloric feelings with a persistence rather bitter / Grape: Prosecco / Bouquet: aromatic and fruity, with recognition of pear and white fruit matures
Vintage Year: Non Vintage
Best food pairing: Ideal with dishes of fish and appetizers
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 11 % vol
3. Ca’Rosa Frizzante (California) from The Wine Club
Refreshing but not overpowering. This complex blend lends layers of flavors. Ca’Rosa’s off-dry character & acidity are perfectly balanced, making this bubbly excellent by itself or with a broad range of dishes. Perfect for that special date.
Vintage year: Non Vintage
Alcohol Percentage / Volume: 11.5%
The wines featured here were suggested by these wine sommeliers:
Mr. Adriano Stefanutti of iTrulli Fashion, Food and Wine
Address: Suite 102/104, G/F, LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air, Makati
Tel No: 02-832-9600 / 0915-418-1407
Mr. Werner Berger of Santis Delicatessen
Address: 7431 Yakal St., San Antonio Village, Makati
Tel No: 02-844-1154
Mr. Mike Reyes of The Wine Club
Address: Cacho Gonzalez Building, 101 Aguirre, Legazpi Village, Makati
Tel No: 02-893-7784
