After the Viva Vino wine tasting at Syed Alwi, it was time to move to another tasting held by owner of Wine Caviar and wine loving friends at Extra Space, Boon Keng. 5 minutes cab and I have reached destination.
Great. Everyone had already finished half bottles of 3 sweet wines, sparkling, sparkling rose and Sauvignon blanc. Food were arranged nicely on the table, we have simple pasta with olive and sun-dried tomatoes, 3 varieties of cheese, baguette from Cedele and some Parma hams.
There were five reds, arranged by Kevin by order because he was the organiser and had tasted these wines several times. However, Marcus felt that it was better if it did not arrange by order to have more fun in tasting in the light and rich order to lower prediction and avoid disappoint or unnecessary judgment.
From the left:
Elio Perrone ‘Tas Mor Can,’ Barbera d’Asti, Italy, 2008 - which I was told by Wendy to be the most approachable one. It did and it was so close to the Beaujolais from France. Smooth, low tannin and bright red fruits, definitely good for appetizers and asian foods.
Second - Tsantali, Rapsani Reserve, 2006, Greece.
Produced at the Southern slope of Mount Olympus, mountain of gods. This is my pick of the day because it has an approachable firm tannin structure and light-oaky palate. I think Zeus will also endorse this is good wine. Overall palate was well-balanced and uniqueness lies in the use of Greek grape variety - Xinomavro.
2006 (Vintage) it too quite long for this wine to open up, it was definitely worth waiting. I think I will use a decanter the next time if I open one. (Laughs)
Third - Domaine Claudia Papayianni, Nikolas, Merlot 2009
This is a wine that I brought home after the tasting because it was still 3/4 full, seems not popular.
Clear ruby colour, medium body, red fruits (cherry/plum), slightly acidic. I did a second tasting after opened for 3 days and it did not evolve further.
While sipping this red, I heard from Kevin that this wine cannot sell well in Singapore. This red is clean and smooth, medium body with a well-balanced structure, many red fruits and rounded tannin. The reason we found that it did not sell well was because of its price, it tasted more like a table wine than a premium.
Fifth - Alpha Estate A1, "Alpha One", Amyndeo, Greece
This is the winner of the day, selected by most of the guest. If you have tasted many Greek wines, you will definitely know that Alpha One Estate, region of Macedonia, produced one of the best wines in Greece. This blended red is well-structured with many layers of taste, round, medium to full bodied. Every single penny worth as a premium red wine that matches an important business dining for hosting guests.
The day ended with many good knowledge about Greek Italian wines, exchanging of friendships and own discovered recipes. I like the Rapsani so much and will definitely get some from Kevin someday.
Extra Space
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