Bordeaux Tasting Dinner | Allium Brasserie

Another sell out Great Western Wine tasting dinner was held at the Allium Brasserie last week, and a very enjoyable one at that.  Head chef Chris Staines created a bespoke menu to compliment a range of six wines from Bordeaux, and as a newcomer to tasting dinners myself, I found this was a great way to gain a little more of an understanding about Bordeaux and it's varying wine producing regions.

I find when tasting wine, I naturally seek out a food that would pair well with it; something that Chris got just right on the night.  Starting with Canapés of smoked salmon and smoked mackerel puff pastry tartlets, our first wine to taste was a Châteaux Sainte-Marie 'Vieilles Vignes' 2013, Entre Deux Mers.  Most white wines from Bordeaux contain a high percentage of Sauvignon Blanc, this in particluar with 90%, but the remaining percentage of Semillon and Muscadet add a floral and fruity character, balancing with the usual citrus flavours you might find.

For our starter; A pithiver of quail & chicken livers with quince, ceps and red wine, we were presented with two new wines to taste; a Châteaux Bertinat Lartigue 2010, Saint Emilion and a Châteaux Mille Roses 2011, Haut Médoc.  The Saint Emilion, produced on the right bank of the Garronne river was a smooth, medium bodied red and particularly good to drink on it's own in between helpings of the impressive dish.  The Haut Médoc, from the left bank, was an interesting contrast to this.  Slightly less rich and round than the first, it worked well as almost a palette cleanser, and my personal favourite for this course. The combined flavours in the food were extremely well matched to compliment this wine, bringing the whole dish very well together - so hats off to the chef for putting these two hand in hand.

For the main dish of roasted saddle of Pauillac lamb and gratin dauphinoise, a further two wines were presented; Châteaux Bonalgue 2004, Pomerol and Châteaux La Tourette, Pauillac.  Both wines noticeably different in colour and texture showed that they have matured at different paces as the Pomerol with a more recent vintage tasted much more like an older wine.  Both worked as a great combination with the lamb dish, but it was interesting to see again, the difference in two wines produced on opposite sides of the river and the effect that this can have on taste, texture and maturity.

The final course was a definite crowd splitter.  Tatin of pears, Roquefort ice cream and toasted walnuts.  In my opinion the ice cold temperature and smooth texture of roquefort was a great contrast the the rich and sweet dessert, and a brilliant pairing for the sweetness of the Châteaux Lafaurie-Peyraguey 2001, Sauternes.  There were mixed opinions on the original and experimental dish, but those who were undecided on the ice cream still got to experience the mellow pears - a more subtle flavour combination with the wine, which worked a treat.

The evening was an interesting way to experience Bordeaux in a new light.  Possibly one of the most famous names in wine and generally know for its higher price tags, it was great to get an insight into the range of wines from Bordeaux that are available from as low as £10 (Châteaux Sainte-Marie, Entre Deux Mers £9.64 until mid-November).

See our full range of Bordeaux, Burgunday & Rhone, all with up to 20% off until mid November here.