Rendezvous with France’s fine wines

By: Vaniitha Jaiin, On: October 9, 2015 Alsace, Bordeaux, Chablis, Chianti, Events, France, Hugel & Fils Gentil, Le Bar Diamantaire, Riesling, Sofitel, Sonarys Wines, Wines

The global event ‘Sofitel Wine Days’ at the five-star brand’s Mumbai property.

What was the event?
A special preview to Sofitel Wine Days, a 40-day event that is happening from September 23rd to October 31st, 2015, which is held across the globe at all the properties and coincides with the wine harvesting season in France. And so, Sofitel brings the finest French wines and delicacies for its guests. This year the exceptional event was conceived under the supervision of Enrico Bernardo, 2004 World Best Sommelier.

What happened?

I headed to Le Bar Diamantaire, which has a ceiling to floor wine cellar that has around 800 wine bottles of different Indian and international variety, for the evening. Connoisseur Sanjay Menon, CEO, Sonarys Co-Brands Pvt Ltd., took us through the exquisite collection of wines from Provence, Champagne, Bordeaux and other regions of France. That evening I tasted a variety of fruity, dry, red, white wines and champagne like Hugel & Fils Gentil 2013, Jacky Marteau AOC Touraine Sauvignon Blanc 2012, La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Luberon Blanc 2014, Francois Labet ‘Ile de Beaute’ Pinot Noir 2012, Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes Du Rhone ‘Parallele 45’ 2012 and Michel Lynch Bordeaux AOC Rouge 2012. And to enhance the taste of each wine, Executive Chef Indrajit Saha had put together an extravagant molecular style of French as well as Indian delicacies.

What I liked?
Undoubtedly Hugel & Fils Gentil 2013 topped the list of my favourite wine I taste. The pale green, fresh, lively wine on the nose left fruity and floral aromas and on the tongue felt dry yet soft, supple, fruity and wholesome. But more than the wines, the highlight that enticed and excited my palate was the exceptional wine cocktails that were served before the tasting session.

Why you should go there?
If you are a wine aficionado and want to augment your love for the French variety, then don’t miss Sofitel Wine Days. They have an array of experiences lined-up at the in-house restaurants and bars. There’s Charcuterie and Wine pairings (at Artisan), Wine and Cheese evenings (At Le Bar Diamantaire), Wine and vegetarian dinner (at Tuskers), Sunday Brunch with French wines (at Pondicherry Café) and have stirred exceptional Wine and Champagne cocktails for the guests.

So, ahoy wine lovers, don’t miss your date with fine wines!