The Restaurant at The Club Saujana Resort hosted a special Spanish Inspired Wine Dinner recently to introduce some impeccable wines from some of the best wineries in Spain. Sipping some excellent cava at the lounge while waiting for dinner to start, I was once again impressed by the elegant and classy surroundings (read about my first visit here). Through the intermittent closing and opening of the glass doors as guests walked out onto the terrace, I was lulled by the soothing sounds of trickling water in the pool outside – the beautiful poolside foliage juxtaposed against the last golden rays of the setting sun.
It helped that Victor Quinson, the wine expert from Abakon Wines, came and sat with me and gave a brief introduction of the Spanish wineries and wines that I would be tasting later. After France and Italy, Spain is the 3rd largest producer of wines in the world. That evening we tasted wines from prominent areas such as Galicia, La Rioja, Bierzo and Emporda and these are the regions in Spain that produce grapes with deeply captivating characteristics.
The Restaurant’s Head Chef, Chef Alexander Waschl took great care to create a menu where each course would give diners that special Spanish feel.
Kicking off the dinner, we had Seabass Carpaccio Chevice-style with Crabmeat and Spiced Cream. This seafood starter was paired with Montenevo D.O. Valdeorras 2010. This young white wine with fruity topnotes of citrus is very pleasant on the palate. There’s a tinge of grassy finish to it which works very well with the carpaccio and seafood in the starter dish.
Seabass Carpaccio Chevice-style with Crabmeat and Spiced Cream
Montenevo D.O. Valdeorras 2010
Next, the Paella Style Seafood Risotto with Hazelnuts and Pumpkin was matched with the Valdesil D.O. Valdeorras 2010. While risotto is not exactly my favourite, this vibrant white wine turned out to be my favourite wine for the evening. I like the fresh aromas and flavours of tropical fruits in the first mouthful and then slowly dissipating with some light floral notes. The well balanced minerality and acidity makes it very drinkable.
Paella Style Seafood Risotto with Hazelnuts and Pumpkin
Both the Montenevo and Valdesil come from Valdeorras (Valley of Gold) which is the easternmost wine region of Galicia with vineyards on the banks of the River Sil in the southern part of the Ourense province.
Valdesil D.O. Valdeorras 2010
The Pan Roasted Quail Breast with Spiced Polenta Espuma and Rosemary Sauce came in a quaint presentation. The tender succulent quail breast, pulled and shaped into a little round drummet, when dipped into the spiced polenta went well with the Sierra Cantabria Grianza 2007. This big and bold red wine has some complex notes of roasted herbs, sweet cherries and vanilla. I also detected a smokey tinge to this medium-bodied red and upon swirling it on my tongue, there’s a somewhat tart aftertaste of cinnamon and berries lingering awhile even after swallowing it.
Pan Roasted Quail Breast with Spiced Polenta Espuma and Rosemary Sauce
Sierra Cantabria Grianza 2007
The main course of Lamb Chops a la Plancha was complemented with the Altos de Losada 2007. The still-pinkish tender lamb chops were superb, served with Juniper Sauce and the chops were propped up against a piece of wine braised Lamb Shoulder served with Potato Fittata and Pepper Vegetables by the side. The intense dark cherry-coloured wine is very fruity with intense floral aromas on the first few whiffs. However, when it opens up, it becomes a bit more complex with notes of spices and a subtle balsamic touch. It has a long persistent finish which leaves a pleasant fruity sensation and refreshing mineral aftertaste. I’d say it’s an enjoyable easy-drinking wine.
Lamb Chops a la Plancha
Altos de Losada 2007
A simple dessert ended the meal – Cream Catalane White Espresso with Amaretto Sabayon and we had the Castillo Perelada Semi Seco Cava NV to go with it. Being more inclined towards whites, I naturally love this light refreshing bright pale yellow semiseco cava. This classic cava is rather elegant with a pretty impressive sensory breadth. Its fine floral flavours are sweet and easy on the palate and ended the meal on a flourish.
Cream Catalane White Espresso with Amaretto Sabayon
Castillo Perelada Semi Seco Cava NV
If you would like to savour these elegant Spanish wines, they are available only at The Restaurant in The Club Saujana Resort. For dining reservations, please call +603-7806-7000 ext.6722 or email: dine@theclubsaujanaresort.com or visit www.theclubsaujanaresort.com
Mr Victor Quinson from Abakon Wines toasting with Chef Alexander Waschl
The Restaurant
The Club Saujana Resort
Saujana Resort
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS
40150 Shah Alam
Selangor
Tel: +603-7806-7000
Fax: +603-7846-3100
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