La Lune hosted its second Vientiane Wine Inclusive (WINC) event, “A Taste of Bordeaux”, on 21 February, to present some 30 local wine enthusiasts with the chance to sample authentic red and white vintages paired with dishes inspired by the world’s most famous wine region.
According to La Lune Food and Beverage Director Mr Billy, the restaurant began presenting the monthly WINC events, as the restaurant sees an opportunity in the market to offer something different in Vientiane than what is currently on the dining slate.
“WINC is a more casual and informal way to enjoy the pleasures of wine and food in a relaxed setting,” Mr Billy said. “You’ll find wine enthusiasts of all types at WINC. So, whether you are a seasoned sommelier or new to the world of wine, you will feel at home and enjoy a memorable evening.”
Mr Billy is working with local wine suppliers for the WINC events that include varietals, regional, and country vintages to present a wide range of wines from around the world. “We have planned the events for the rest of the year, ending with a grand function in December that will be a blind tasting event with prizes for the person that gets each wine correct,” he said.
A Taste of Bordeaux started with Chateau des Turtes, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon paired with steamed black mussels, garlic, and baguette. The aromatic wine with overtones of citrus and floral blossoms delivers a good balance on the palate with a pleasant body.
This was followed by a Chateau Bonnet, from the André Lurton Estate in Bordeaux, matched with sea bass ceviche with lime, radish, and riverweed. The ripe, easy, and fruity wine is a half-and-half blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot made for early drinking, and offers soft tannins plus jammy blackberry flavours that give it an open character.
Next came a Chateau Labadie Cotes be Bourg, known for its powerful structure and deep flavours, and served with roasted chicken with paprika and garlic. Tastes of dark fruits and berries come through in this high-tannin vintage with a firm structure.
A cheese tart matched with a ruby-red Jean-Pierre Moueix Bordeaux, composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc then stepped in, with the Merlot offering depth and complexity, while the Cabernet Franc brought structure and spice to the blend. The wine presents notes of cherry and strawberry, and is powerful and inviting with smooth, silky tannins.
Completing the Taste of Bordeaux, Mr Bobby served a Chateau Noaillac, known for its dark fruity notes, spices and smoke, paired with grilled lamb loin chop with ratatouille. He said this wine goes very well with most game, beef, veal, pork, lamb or duck dishes as well as other roasted or grilled meats, game, seafood dishes. “This wine also pairs well with a wide variety of hard and soft cheeses.”
The WINC schedule through 2020 includes Italian wines on 20 March, Shiraz (varietal) on 24 April, Rioja regional wines on 22 May, French vintages on 19 June, Chardonnay (varietal) on 24 July, Barossa regionals on 21 August, Spanish wines on 18 September, Carbernet varietals on 16 October, Chianti regionals on 20 November, and the “Wines of the World” blind tasting on 18 December.
La Lune works with several Vientiane-based wine suppliers on hosting WINC events, including Laolive (Spanish), Aenoteca (Italian and French), Phonesavanh (French), KSR Barawine (French), and Gecko (Australian).
Follow La Lune on Facebook, and make reservations to participate in a WINC event or a gorumet meal.
