FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

resulting wine is described as, “typically Canadian – it is
beautiful, it is seductive, it is exceptionally long...”
From the very quaint well designed and very well stocked
cellar in the French Residence, H.E. Alexandre Ziegler,
Ambassador of France, has chosen Château Coutet Premier
Cru Classé Sauternes-Barsac 1998, which is the oldest wine
this evening. But at the last minute, he has had to delegate
the task of presenting the wine to Françoise Moreau-
Lalanne, Agricultural Counsellor. A Bordelais, Françoise
shares France’s love-hate relation with its neighbour across
the channel. Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II in the
12th century and the region was forever in war since. But, as
English soldiers reached the Sauternes-Barsac region, they so
enjoyed the fresh sweet wine that they forgot about the war.
“The name of the Chateau translates to knife, but the wine
has the taste of peace”!
Mexico is.” Applause, H.E. Melba has just been nominated an
Honorary Member of the Institute of Master of Wine!
Charge de Mission of the Embassy of Portugal, Sofia Batalha,
presents a wine made by a family business that is one of the
oldest Portuguese wine producers and this wine is from the
not-so-well-known Setubal Peninsula. The eight months in
oak lend a dark ruby colour to the indigenous blend. Fruity,
well balanced acidity with soft tannins.
A sensational evening of FINE celebration that has extended
well past midnight. FINE has been blessed by each of the
presenting Heads of Mission and all guests clamour for an
encore – indeed, till the next FINE event.
The Le Cirque Classic Crème Brulée with Orange Biscotti
is offered with a choice – the traditional Sauternes or the
modern Canadian Ice Wine. Chateau des Charmes Vidal
Ice Wine Niagara-on-the-Lake 2015 is presented by Jennifer
Graham, spouse of the Canadian High Commissioner, and
Robert McCubbing, Senior Trade Commissioner. German
immigrants brought this 18th century tradition over in
the 20th century. The Vintners Quality Alliance of Canada
ensures the very high standards – vines are registered, grapes
must remain free of fungus, 35 brics and over sweetness,
freezing grapes must be picked off the vine… – and the
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FINE WINE & CHAMPAGNE INDIA