Prestige Tasting Bordeaux
The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa offers elegance and glamour in the heart of the Golden triangle, commonly called 'district of the Great Men', and registered on UNESCO's world heritage list. Facade of neo-classic inspiration, Corinthian-style colonnade, immoderation of the inner arrangements, the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa entered from its creation in the life of its city, its heritage, its region and its vineyard. What was true in the late 18th century, at the very beginning of its history, is still 230 years later. With the same strength, the same commitment, the same passion, and the same taste of perfection. Five stars are shining now on top of this historic building which has combined with accuracy its rich past with luxurious features.
Philippe Faure-Brac, Best Sommelier of the World, honoured this day of sharing and conviviality with his friendly and benevolent presence. Bertrand Bijasson, Master of Port 2012 and President of the Association of Sommeliers of Bordeaux–Aquitaine, orchestrated the tasting. Many of his sommeliers had joined the members of the association of Midi-Pyrénées and Poitou-Charente-Sud Vendée with its president Joël Soupé, who had specially made the trip.
In the lounge Saint-Emilion with its theatrical setting of huge carpets, curtains of style and big chandeliers and its view on the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, the elixirs displayed all around the room and on the tasting tables were quietly waiting for the sommeliers while the light made them glitter with gold and silver shades.
The Verrerie de la Marne contributed to the success of the event by kindly providing its very last model of tasting glass: Œnomust. Genuine developer of oenological senses, its generous and innovative shape enables to rediscover aromas and flavours. Its 15cl crystal brandy glasses have also allowed the tasters to analyze the liqueurs in the best conditions. Everyone could thus choose the most adapted glass to magnify the content.
It is in the salon Margaux, all dressed with gold and red, that the representatives of the different Houses who proposed their products for tasting joined the sommeliers for lunch. Pascal Nibaudeau had imagined a delicious autumn menu for this special occasion: Leek and Smoked Salmon, warm vinaigrette sauce with truffle, followed by Preserved Pork Belly with basil and parmiggiano gnocchis. The symphony of flavours finished on a Carambar Viennetta Sponge Cake “Esprit de June”, Orange Liqueur Jelly.
This dessert has specially been created by the Chef to set in majesty EuroWineGate's Esprit de June®. This drink is made following a secret recipe for which are blended distillates of blossom of Ugni Blanc with flavours of pear and peach, of Cabernet Sauvignon for the notes of strawberry, raspberry and violet, and of Merlot that evokes wild strawberry and cherry, before being distilled a last time to perfectly unite their unique aromas. The final addition of a minimum of sugar give birth to this exquisite and refined French liqueur that catches joy and beauty of life in full blossom, the very essence of the vineyards in spring.
To even more delight the guests’ palates and accompany with panache the delicate flavours of the dishes, Mathieu and Martin Béraut brought their wines Château de Pellehaut.
Between Bordeaux and Toulouse, facing the Pyrenees, the two brothers run within their domain 250 hectares of vineyards situated on the hillsides of the château, at an altitude of more than 180m. The respect for ancestral methods and natural balance is associated there with a scientific rigour and a constant concern for quality and innovation. For the event, to be served with the first course, they had chosen Family Reserve 2011 in white, original and full-bodied wine offering an ample and fresh palate with notes of ripe exotic fruits, and vanilla and smoky hints. The red Family Reserve 2009 followed with its beautiful intense garnet-red hue and its harmony of aromas mingling fruits and spices, aromatic qualities that will sublimate through time.
SommelierS International expresses its heartfelt thanks to all the producers and sommeliers that took part in the success of this Grande première.
Dominique Peyral-Bon Reportage Photo: Olivier HarrassowskiReportage vidéo: Michel Akrich – Les Productions de l’Ange
Bertrand BIJASSON, president
Joël SOUPÉ, president
JérémyBENJAMIN
Frantzy ESPOSITO FARESE
Aude HENDSCHEL
Xavier LEGRY
Cécile MALESCOT
Serge BEUTER, consultant
Marie-Noëlle DIOSCA, consultant
