Romance with the vines

When you drink the wine, close your eyes. The wine will talk to you." These were the words Don Miguel A. Torres so emphatically revealed to guests at the by-invitation-only Torres Wine dinner.

The night’s guest of honor, the down-to-earth Don Miguel, is the president of Miguel Torres, SA, a self-financed family winemaking company which stands preeminent among Spain’s wineries for its fruitful combination of deep roots and unceasing innovation. The reserved Catalan is dubbed the "Wine King of Spain" and is considered one of the world’s top vintners and winemakers.

The enjoyable evening started with cocktails when stylishly dressed guests started arriving. I presided over the program which started immediately when all were settled in their seats at impeccably decorated tables. The exquisite table setting replete with glasses were set to fill every palate with the most elegant aromas. Red candles were generously surrounded with real grapes and grape vines.

After the guests were welcomed, a video showing the great legacy of Torres wines was presented. Dinner was then served and throughout the whole evening, eight different wines from three different countries were served for the enjoyment of guests. The elegant Terrasola White was offered for cocktails. Fransola 01, which has an intense, deep bouquet with dominant notes of fruit, came next. The Marimar ‘99, which won a gold medal in the Challenge International Du Vin, came perfect with the salad. The Chilean Cordillera ‘00 had a long and evocative aftertaste which matched the spices of the garoupa while the much celebrated Mas la Plana ‘97, which was selected in ‘79 as the best Cabernet Sauvignon at the Gault Millau Wine Olympiad in Paris, was a perfect partner for the steak. Moscatel, concentrated but delicately sensual and Aqua D’Or, which is made following ancient medieval techniques were served after the sweet dessert. Last came Jaime I brandy, the Reserva de la Familia, made by blending outstanding soleras aged in American oak. Don Miguel visited every table and explained each of the wines’ characteristic flavors and aromas.

ATR Wines and Spirits’ charming general manager Ruel Reyes expressed his thanks to Don Miguel and all those who came. The affair lasted until past midnight.

Among the distinguished guests who came were SGV founder Washington SyCip, CCA Philippines president Art Lopez and wife Letty, Roman and Amalie Ananza, Leroy Tan, AFP Spokesperson Gen. Purificacion, Region II Commander Gen. Alvarado, Philippine STAR publisher Max Soliven and wife Preciosa, and Fairways and Bluewater chairman Toti Cariño.