Guess where I had lunch last Wednesday ?
Upon arrival from Tokyo a couple of weeks ago, I immediately received an invitation via text and e-mail to attend TORRES WINES PRESS LUNCH at Oakroom in the 6th level of Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila. Of course, I’m no member of the press, (but who knows? I might venture into that avenue too, LOL! 
) but I am as excited as them to share with you what Future Trade International, the importer and distributor of such wines and more to the Philippines, Oakwood Premier and Torres Wines have to offer as they collaborate in this Spanish Food and Wine Festival.
ELEGANCE in BOTTLES…
I arrived at the venue last 07 April 2010 just several minutes before the event started. The simple and intimate affair began with white wine offering : TORRES FRANSOLA.
“TORRES FRANSOLA - Intense complex aroma of exotic fruit (passion fruit and green fig), delicately ennobled by fine notes of toast and vanilla (from ageing in new French oak). Good balance in the mouth thanks to the wine’s acidity, with floral notes that pleasantly linger mid-palate.”
I am far from being a wine connoisseur; in fact, I rarely drink! I do, but very occasionally. I may not be knowledgeable enough with wines and spirits but I know my palate well. 
And among the Torres wines we’ve sampled that day, I like the white wine-FRANSOLA the best. It’s fresh and light and makes you want to drink more! LOL! I just reminded myself that ”everything should always be in moderation.”
With Fransola’s light and pleasing taste, I am now a believer that white wines aren’t less sophisticated than red.
After the warm introduction, lunch was served…
Our first course : JAMON SERRANO, hand carved Serrano ham with olives and greens.
The salad was paired with TORRES CORONAS TEMPRANILLO…
“TORRES CORONAS TEMPRANILLO : Delicate floral aromas over a background of very ripe fruit (blackberry and strawberry), oak and truffles. Its tannins have a fruity, meaty structure that evolves into velvety touches of smoke and spices acquired during ageing.”
I tried to savor the flavor of this red wine with that bit salty taste of the salad and I wasn’t disappointed.
I admired its almost magenta-red color; tried to swirl my glass and smelled its aroma and appreciated its stronger taste than Fransola.
Bread and butter were served prior to the salad; then on to the second course : GAZPACHO ANDALUZ; chilled soup (yes it was not a usual hot soup!) with tomato, garlic, bread, cucumber and onion.
My senses welcomed the cold soup! It’s thick and creamy with a taste that’s complementary with Fransola.
Then came the main dish : CONEJO CON ACEITUNAS; rabbit stewed with red wine, tomato and olives. The rabbit stew was paired with TORRES GRAN SANGRE DE TORO…
“TORRES GRAN SANGRE DE TORO -All the exuberant aroma traditionally found in an intense, ripe red wine, with a sensual background of the spices in good balance with perfumed notes reminiscent of blackberries. Full, long finish on the palate.”
I was easy on the red wine; and had mixed thoughts on the rabbit. Actually, most people with me on our table had been thinking as early as we read what’s on the menu, if they would dunk their forks and knives on the slices of bunny on our plates; considering that we just celebrated Easter! LOL! Most of them were thankful that the rabbit stew was served with sea bass that I found delicately delicious! Almost all of us thought of lamb as closest comparison to the rabbit’s different taste and distinct aftertaste.
I was never skeptical that I cannot eat that rabbit dish (for I fear other animals, not that furry one). I took it as a fresh experience (similar with having that chilled soup!). I seriously thought at that moment that a drink of Torress Gran Sangre de Toro in between bites of that rabbit meat was indeed, necessary!
The dessert was LECHE FRITA, deep fried custard that’s crunchy outside with soft, mushy and gooey filling.
I may not be that adventurous when it comes to dining as I try to avoid exotic “unusual” foods and commonly stick to my favorites. I may not be a “wine master” and still have to learn more about wine appreciation but nevertheless, this lunch set paired with finest Spanish wines gave me a new and pleasant experience on the table and I honestly appreciate it.
To Torres Wines, Future Trade International and Oakwood,
Cheers! And Thank you for sharing this wonderful event with us.
Special thanks to Ms. Nadal for the invites.
*Viva Espana Spanish Wine and Food Festival at Oakroom is celebrated on April 16-30, 2010 at Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila in Ortigas. Tel # (63-2) 637-7888 / (63-2) 910-8888 ext 8118.
OPINION COUNTS…