Educational Wine Tasting, E & O – All About Rosé
Monica Tindall
Flip flops, cottons, a patio and a gentle sea breeze – I can’t imagine a more perfect setting for sipping on a glass of rosé. Poolside in the Victory Annexe of the iconic Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang is the setting for educational wine tastings. Thanks to the passion of hotel manager, Christoph Girsch, anyone in town can sign up for the event where a different wine theme is presented every few weeks.
Educational Wine Tasting, E & O Hotel – All About Rosé
Tonight’s theme is All About Rosé and we’re so happy to be in Penang for the weekend to enjoy this educational wine tasting. There’s a good bunch of regulars at the event but we feel included and immediately embraced by fellow wine lovers. The vibe is lively, the chatter engaging and the wine plentiful.
Christoph introduces rosé wine by informing us that many of the earliest red wines were made closer in appearance to what we know today as rosé. As grapes were pressed soon after harvest with very little maceration, the juice was only lightly pigmented. Additionally, Champagne was also often light pink in hue. It wasn’t until later years that makers developed white sparkling wines.
Furthermore, we learn a few fun facts such as:
“Rosé is not a mix of red and white wine.”
“Rosé gets its depth of pink from varying lengths of time left in contact with the skin – a few hours up to three days.”
“Provence is one of the most famous regions for rosé.”
“In France, it’s called Rosé, in Italy it’s Rosato and in Spain it’s Rosado.
“Rosé tastes great with everything!”
All About Rosé – E & O
Rosé Extra Brut, Franciacorta, La Montina, Lombardy, Italy
Pink bubbles quench thirsts and whet appetites upon arrival with a glass of Rosé Extra Brut, Franciacorta, La Montina, Lombardy, Italy. Primarily based on pinot noir grapes, the wine is balanced in acidity with a full body and softened with the inclusion of some chardonnay. The fine mousse is delightful as are the aromas of berries.
The semi-formal part of the evening continues with guests seated, some light bites passed around and a placemat for the four wines to come laid out. Christoph takes a high stool so all can see and has a casual conversation with the crowd about his love for this style of wine.
2018 AIX, Maison Saint Aix, Provence, France
The first two glasses in this educational wine tasting are both the same wine but from different vessels. The first, 2018 Aix, Maison Saint AIX, Provence, France is from a regular-sized bottle served from a decanter. The second has been kept in a magnum (1.5 litres – twice the size of a regular bottle). I didn’t think I’d be able to tell the difference, but it is immediately apparent that the latter is more intense in flavour with a brighter acidity.
In general, however, the wine is a light salmon in the glass with a fresh fruitiness on the nose. Watermelon, strawberries and blooms offer a lively bouquet in this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Carignan. An abundance of acidity means it’s a versatile mate to many types of food.
2019 ‘Studio Rose by Miraval’, Jolie Pitt & Perrin, IGP Mediteranée Rosé, France
I would not likely have picked the next wine off the shelf, a 2019 ‘Studio Rose by Miraval’, Jolie Pitt & Perrin, IGP Mediteranée Rosé, France. In joint ownership with the Perrin family, it’s by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – a celebrity package, and not something that usually attracts my purchasing power.
I am, however, grateful for these events and the opportunity to broaden my palate with things I might not have otherwise chosen. It turns out that this is my most-preferred drop of the evening!
A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle and Tibouren, it’s a pretty pink in colour with delicate aromas of currants, white stone fruit and maybe even a hint of passionfruit freshness. Juicy, fruity and with a good tang, it’s another drop well-suited to food or for quaffing with friends. I’ll be picking this one up next visit to the bottle-o.
2018 Whispering Angel, Chateau d’Esclan, Provence, France
Lastly, and Christoph’s favourite, is the 2018 Whispering Angel, Chateau d’Esclan, Provence, France. It’s a similar blend of grapes to the previous wine only with a little Syrah also part of the mix. It’s possibly the most recognized label in this region with long-established popularity. Like the others, it’s fresh and fruity but there’s a touch of savoury in the finish. It’s another wine ideal for wholehearted enjoyment, best with friends, and even more wonderful if you have warm weather and a view of the ocean to go with.
Reasons to sign up for an educational wine tasting at the E&O Penang: casual vibe in the beautiful E&O; fun crowd; a guided walk through the world of wine; passionate speaker Christoph Girsch.
Educational Wine Tastings
Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) Penang
10, Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown
10200 Penang, Malaysia
+(6) 04 222 2151
[email protected]
www.eohotels.com
Find out more about the Eastern & Oriental Hotel here, travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.
Oh? Never went into the hotel, didn’t know there is a seaview. Breathtaking!