FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

we arrive at
the Tuğra
Terrace. From
our table,
we see the
Bosphorus
gleaming in
the sun and
glittering
under the
lights as day
transitions
to night. Our
menu for
the evening
allows us to
sample the classics – the “Testi Lamb Casserole” cooked
in the traditional Anatolian clay pot and “Sebzavat Aşi”
a special vegetarian casserole with produce from the
Palace gardens. Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvée Palmes d'Or Brut
Millesime are our bubbles for the evening. Sommelier Yücel
insists on suggesting a bold Turkish red that shares the
name, Tuğra, based on the Öküzgözü grape from the Denizli
wine region.
Pièce de Résistance
We take up Neslihan Sen, Director of Public Relations, and
her colleague, Cansu Baş, on their offer to take us on a guided
tour of the property. “Çirağan Palace is an Ambassador of
Turkish hospitality”. The autographed photographs of
the heads of state, government delegates, billionaires,
royal families,
film stars, artists
and celebrities on
large walls in the
reception area
are testimony
to the countless
eminent figures
that have come
through the
Çirağan doors.
A black and
gold iron grill
separates the
new from the old.
The Palace is uniquely steeped in history! Neslihan walks
us through the incredibly well documented and preserved
archives of the Çirağan Palace. And draws our attention to
the carving on the remains of a stone pillar, “this ancient
pattern is the inspiration for our logo”.
The towering ceilings, glorious chandeliers, opulent wall
embellishments, grand staircases and stone pillars have
been pain-stakingly restored. Not surprisingly, awards
galore. “These recognitions re-iterate that the Çirağan
Palace is timeless. The awards offer comfort to guests, who
expect nothing but the best”. The Palace and its grounds
are buzzing with activity – a film crew is shooting with
a celebrity – and Neslihan very discreetly upholds guest
privacy.
FINE Luxury
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FINE WINE & CHAMPAGNE INDIA