On May 6th, iDealwine held its first ‘in-person’ event in over 15 months. For a small group of Hong Kong wine enthusiasts, iDealwine hosted the intimate dinner and wine tasting, in collaboration with Château Branaire-Ducru and local wine aficionado and blogger Benjamin Yeung.
In Europe, ‘normal’ wine events feel almost as far away as Hong Kong itself, but while until it’s safe and permitted to do the same here, we’ll just have to live vicariously through events like this one. It was held in the aptly named Le Reve restaurant, we hope the idea of a wine tasting in the warm company of friends and savouring a dinner in a beautiful restaurant fills you with hope and excitement for the future!
Bringing a little Bordeaux to Hong Kong, we were joined on Zoom by François-Xavier Maroteaux of Château Branaire-Ducru and Quentin Maydieu, head of iDealwine’s Bordeaux office. They led the vertical tasting of the following wines:
- 2009 Château Branaire-Ducru
- 2012 Château Branaire-Ducru
- 2015 Château Branaire-Ducru
- 2016 Duluc de Branaire
Representing iDealwine’s Asia office were Alva Ho and Jojo Leung. Alva said “we were so excited to host our first 2021 in-person event, it’s been so long! Wine is made for sharing and conviviality, so I was really pleased that we were able to enjoy event”.
With a glass of Drappier’s Blanc de Blancs Champagne in hand, the lucky guests enjoyed shrimp and black truffle bruschetta canapés. For their starter, and Alva’s favourite dish of the night, a foie gras and matsuke mushroom ravioli was served with the 2016 Duluc de Branaire. Next up was a stunning dish of French quail served with smoked cherry tomato and sake soy sauce which paired wonderfully with 2015 Château Branaire Ducru. This was followed by a slow cooked tuna tataki and ponzu sauce, matched with the 2012 Château Branaire Ducru. According to iDealwine’s Jojo Leung, the silky tannins of the 2012 made the most memorable food and wine pairing of the night. The feast continued with a 2009 Château Branaire Ducru, which was served with Australian Wagyu Rump Steak and green peppercorn sauce. Just about managing dessert, the guests rounded off the dinner with a white chocolate mousse with mango and ginger basil sorbet.
What a night! With a heart full of nostalgia for previous events, a mind buzzing with excitement for the future, a stomach rumbling for such drool-worthy dishes, and tastebuds crying out for a glass of Bordeaux – we would like to thank Château Branaire-Ducru for the tasting; Alva, Jojo and Quentin for organising this wonderful event; Benjamin Yeung for invitations, and Le Reve restaurant for their fabulous French-Japanese fusion cuisine.
Until next time!
