Alex - Here have what I know

There is no need to fear burning a hole in your pocket the next time you are presented with a wine list at your dine-out. Restaurants are now introducing wine lists that are interesting, fun and best of all… affordable.

South African Maverick
What: The Wine Company
The Wine Company @ Dempsey, Blk 14-3 Dempsey Road, tel: +65 6479 9341,
The Wine Company @ Evans, 26 Evans Road, tel: +65 6732 1229, Woods, Blk 14-2 Dempsey Road, tel: +65 6473 5428

Wine impressions: One of the pioneers behind the South African wine drinking trend in Singapore, the not-so-secret recipe for The Wine Company has always been friendly prices, and fantastic ambience. And at a current count of over 300 wines, you’d be hard-pressed to find a wine that does not suit your palate. The focus here is still unabashedly South African lone of the partners is a South African who luckily shuttles between the two countries for business, although there is a surprisingly good representation of wines from different countries too - from the major regions in France to even Emilia Romagna in Italy.

Look Out For: The recently introduced The Wine Company card, which comes with a very useful magnifying strip - especially for the short-sighted when checking bills. For an application fee of S$20, you get a 15 percent discount for takeaways and 20 percent for dining-in, which is fantastic value. For those who prefer to drink the wine in the restaurant, just add S$6 to the listed prices on the list.

To Try: The Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc (S$33.50 per bottled), Goats Do Roam In Villages Red (S$33) and Spice Route Malabar (S$98.50).

The Italian Advocate
What: Senso 21 Club Street, #01-01, tel: +65 6224 3534

Wine Impressions: A Tunisian-born sommelier who has passion for all Italian wines, especially those that the public do not know about. That is the reason why the wine list is packed with undiscovered jewels from all parts of Italy, and includes names other than the usual bigwigs such as Gaja and Antinori. Just ask the sommelier and he will be happy to recommend you the wines.

Look Out For: Their wine celler - if the sommelier is in a good mood, chances are he will oblige.

Red Hot Spanish
What: Bodega Y Tapas
442, Orchard Road, #01-29, tel: +65 6735 3476

Wine Impressions: Spanish wines have long been underrated, which is why Bodega Y Tapas should be applauded for their ‘Spanish Only’ wine list policy. Get a taste of wines from the various Spanish regions here, from the well-known Ribera dot Duero and Rioja, to lesser-known areas such as Jumilla and Rueda. It’s a whole lot of fun!

Look Out For: The range of authentic Spanish tapes, such as potato tortilla and US Jabugo ham, are perfect bites that pair beautifully with a glass of Tempranillo.

To Try: Bodegas Roda Roda Reserva 2003 (S$145 per bottle) for a taste of offerings from new Spanish producers, and Bodegas Jaume Serra Artelatino Cava Brut NV (S$65) for a good alternative to Champagne.

New Kid On the Block
What: Braise 60, Palawan Beach Walk, Sentosa, tel: +65 6271 1929
Wine Impressions: Sommelier and restaurant manager Andy Kui was formerly an air-steward, so dinners can expect First Class service here. The highlight of the 600-label wine list here are the lesser-known French wines - some of which have been declassified and are shunned by other restaurants. But Kui, believes that these wines can mean great value and reflect their terroir justly (just like the French). So he has gone on a mission of listing these wines. Three quarters of the list is Old World, and he’s also added 20 Champagnes (such as biodynamic producer Jacques Seloss) and proseccos for that Sunday brunch. You can get a bottle here from S$50, or up to S$5,700.

Look Out For: The lobster bisque, which is packed with flavour and very potent. Try pairing it with a wine!

To Try: La Grande de Pays (S$180) from Rousillon area, Desert Heart from Central Otago (S$90) a magnificent Pinot Noir.

Tags: Wine

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm and is filed under Alcohol. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.