Wine Connection Bar & Bistro at Cuppage Terrace, Event : Portuguese Wine Dinner on 28 Jan 2014 - The Chef Alex Low The Menu

The Chef 

Executive Chef Alex Low

The evening started with serving of the bread and butter to all the guests.

After the welcome drink Casal Mendes Rose - Baga is poured, Executive Chef Alex Low's kitchen team served the Tower of Crab & Pomelo with mildly spicy Mango Coulis, Asian Slaw. 

This dish pairs well with the Casal Mendes - Vinho Verde with its light fruity flavor that is able to bring out the freshness of the Crab meat very well. 

Tasting Notes : The crab has a tinge of sweet citrus spicy flavor when dipped with the mango sauce, whilst the side slaw gives an added crunch to this cold appetizer.

The First Course is the Mini Open Face Duck Burger topped with flash seared Foie Gras, Balsamic Vinegar Jam.  This is paired with the 2009 Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos - Douro 

Tasting Notes : This is a delicate bite size burger with the tender duck meat giving a savory juicy bite coupled with a melt in your mouth Foie Gras slightly seared to give that smoky flavor. The gherkin and rocket side salad lends an added Balsamic vinegary crunch to this delicious bite. The red wine paired with this dish lends a lightly sweet yet strong tannin flavor without overpowering the Foie Gras.

The Main Course is the Herb Crusted Lamb Rump served with Chorizo Butter, Minted Baby Potatoes & Sauteed Zucchinis.  This is paired with the 2011 Alianca "Reserva" - Dao 

Tasting Notes : The lamb rump is served rare with the meat so soft and chewy and freshly sweet, without any gamey flavor at all. The red wine paired with this dish gives the added sprightly minty flavor that blends wells with the lamb. 

The Next Course is the Mature Cheddar accompanied by Artisan Baguette, Grapes & Walnuts.  This is paired with the 2011 Alianca "Reserva" - Bairrada. 

Tasting Notes : The mature Cheddar is firm, has a melt in your mouth consistency, is smooth, with small bits of the calcium lactate visible, has a nutty flavor and tastes great with the  lightly toasted walnuts and the juicy grapes. 

The dessert served to end the evening was the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Coulis & Creme Fraiche.   

Tasting Notes : This delicate bite size dessert oozes a rich molten chocolate lava when you place it inside your mouth, with the raspberry coulis giving a sweet tarty flavor without being overly sweet. A beautiful sweet ending to a wonderful evening of wine & dine. 

My heartfelt gratitude to Wine Connection Bar & Bistro for this media invite, as well as Fiona for being my host and organizer for this evening. 

Wine Connection Bar & Bistro @Cuppage Terrace is located at :

41, Cuppage Road, 

Singapore 229462

Tel : 68369069

Email : ct@wineconnection.com.sg

www.wineconnection.com.sg

Opening hours: 

Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–1:30 am 

Fri–Sat 3:00 pm–2:30 am 

Sun 3:00 pm–11:30 pm

Wine Connection Bar & Bistro at Cuppage Terrace, Event : Portuguese Wine Dinner on 28 Jan 2014 - Wine Producer Mario Neves The Portuguese Wines

Mr Mario Neves - the International Director at Allianca Winery was the invited Guest Speaker at the Wine Connection Bar & Bistro's Portuguese Wine Dinner event on 28 Jan 2014. 

The first wine served was the Casal Mendes - Rose, Portugal made from Baga grape.

Tasting Notes : This is a lightly sparkling wine with a distinct fruity aroma and a tinge of sweetness. Of the five wines I have tasted for the evening this is my favorite choice. 

The second wine served was the Casal Mendes - Vinho Verde, Portugal made from grapes : Azal, Pederna, Trajadura, Loureiro.

Tasting Notes : This is a light yellow colored wine with a fruity smell, and a very mild fruity flavor. 

The third wine served was the 2009 Quinta Dos Quatro Ventos, Douro Portugal made from grapes : Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tourga Nacional.

Tasting Notes : This is a dark purple color wine with a distinct strong grape aroma that comes with a strong tannin flavor.  

The fourth wine served was the 2011 Alianca "Reserva", Dao, Portugal made from grape: Tinta Roriz, Touriga Nacional.

Tasting Notes : This is a dark purple colored wine with a distinct cherry aroma, and a minty after taste when you roll the wine in your mouth.

The fifth wine served was the 2011 Alianca "Reserva", Bairrada, Portugal made from grape: Touriga Nacional, Baga and Tinta Roriz.

Tasting Notes : This is a bright red purple colored wine with a distinct dark grape aroma,strong acidic tannin flavor and a mild oakwood note. 

Wine Connection Bar & Bistro @Cuppage Terrace is located at :

41, Cuppage Road, 

Singapore 229462

Tel : 68369069

Email : ct@wineconnection.com.sg

www.wineconnection.com.sg

Opening hours: 

Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–1:30 am 

Fri–Sat 3:00 pm–2:30 am 

Sun 3:00 pm–11:30 pm