Typhoon Pedring’s torrential downpour didn’t deter us from attending wine diva Tita Trillo’s impressive sit –down dinner held recently at the Paparazzi, Edsa Shangri-la hotel. Presented by Titania in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the event was a grand success with the pairing off of high-end wines with superb food.
At the E’s Bar the invitees sipped Camelot Chardonnay and Merlot with the scrumptious hors d’oeuvres. Concocted by the famous wine master Melissa Bates of the Camelot vineyards, this wine blends old world artisan wine-making techniques with state of the art technology.
Dinner started off with Hudson Valley Duck Salad with a honey citrus vinaigrette, marinated beets, haricot verts, toasted hazelnut and pears. This was paired with a Camelot Sauvignon Blanc 2007. This wine is fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve its crisp fruit character. Next came the pan seared Pacific Black Cod with a chowder sauce topped with poached clams and leeks. This was perfectly matched with the award-winning Vintgner’s Reserve Chardonnay from Kendall-Jackson. Made from estate grown chardonnay grapes, this is the number one selling chardonnay in the U.S. The piece de resistance of the evening was the roasted USDA beef tenderloin with potato foie gras custard, forest mushrooms and a herbaceous teriyaki jus. An outstanding 2008 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, by world renowned wine master Randy Ullom, complemented the dish. This wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels that soften the tannins, deepens the color, making the wine rich and luxurious. Everyone left in a state of bliss.
