The best of Chilean wine

It was expected to be an excellent wine pairing dinner at Makati Shangri-La’s Red courtesy of Moet-Hennessy’s Chilean wine portfolio — Lapostolle, judged the Best New World Winery for 2008 by Wine Enthusiast.

Lapostolle wine ambassador Diego Urra and Moet-Hennessy’s Olga Azarcon welcomed guests for canapés paired with the Lapostolle Casa Sauvignon Blanc 2007. Guests were then escorted to the long table arrangement that allowed Señor Urra to explain the finer qualities of their French crafted Chilean wines. Urra explained Lapostolle implemented innovations making the whole winemaking process more earth friendly. From creating a biodynamic environment to cultivate the grapes, to the use of wild yeast for the vinification and the overall respect for the natural rhythm that helps the area express itself more profoundly on their wines. He said what differentiates Lapostolle from other wines is its high alcohol structure due to the long warm rainless season of its vineyard. 

The Cuvee Alexander Chardonnay was paired with a choice of pan seared scallops wrapped in parma ham or pan seared sea bass. This Chardonnay scored 91 points in Wine Spectator. Next on the menu were a Lapostolle Cuvee Alexander Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 and Merlot 2006 complementing the grilled beef tenderloin with foie gras and chicken mousse. Both wines scored 90 points in the Wine Spectator. Urra explained that 2005 was a turning point for Lapostolle as the new winery has been built and the gravitational pull of the design enabled them to produce wines without aggressive pumps. From the handpicked and hand-destemming grapes and the delicate gravitational transfers of the wines, the result was the Wine Spectator’s Best Wine of 2008 — the 96-point Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2005 paired with roasted rack of lamb.

Casa Lapostolle was founded by the Marnier-Lapostolle family in 1994 through Alexandra Marnier-Lapostolle and her husband Cyril de Bournet. The Marnier-Lapostolle family, founders and owners of the world-renowned liqueur, Grand Marnier, is known for producing spirits and liqueurs, but the family has been also involved in winemaking for generations. Their objective was to create world-class wines using French expertise and the superb terroir of Chile. Today, Casa Lapostolle owns 370 hectares in three different vineyards and has long-term contract with growers for other 200 hectares.

A real party scene

In an innovative fashion event that fused runway looks with real life, Penshoppe showcased its mid-year collection in Stylescape: Manila for Philippine Fashion Week. The SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium was packed despite heavy rains and the massive traffic jam. Friends and partners of Golden ABC, Penshoppe’s mother company, turned out in full force, as did members of the media.

As stylish and fresh as the show was, the after party was even, well, more of a real party scene! Penshoppe guests trekked to The Establishment at The Fort to continue the revelry with drinks and music. The night did not end there as the huge Penshoppe posse all moved on to attend Sleepless @ Embassy. DJ/PR guy GP Reyes himself rocked the decks, keeping everyone on their feet until the curfew forced the crowd to seek refuge elsewhere. Champagne and vodka didn’t seem to end for us. It was a great night from sundown to sun up, thanks to Penshoppe.

Check out Penshoppe’s mid-year collection of schoolboy chic, neo-grunge and new, tailored Denimlab jeans at all Penshoppe boutiques nationwide.

Water at its purest form

At a press briefing at Milky Way Café (where the baby crispy pata is to die for!), AquaHealth claimed that not all water is made equal. AquaHealth president Ann Lourdes Agustin introduced the company’s brand of purified water, the Alkaline Ionized Water, which can be compared to that of water at its purest form, the kind that come straight from mountain tops.

AquaHealth (which actually started as a family business in 1997) founder and chairman Sonny Agustin said, “AquaHealth is a water refilling company with a strong water purification process, always committed in the continuous development and research of the latest water purification treatment.” He added that they do not use harmful chemicals in the production of their water, but they continually infuse different modern technologies developed abroad into their processes.

To be able to produce the Alkaline Ionized Water which contains colloidal silver, which is considered to be the best all around germ fighter, AquaHealth makes use of a process called Silver Ionization. Colloidal silver has been considered as a mainstream antibiotic, killing over 650 micro organisms. Aquahealth’s sales manager Kier Ediza discussed the reported benefits of Alkaline Ionized Water, one of which is its effectiveness in neutralizing the natural acidic/toxic build up in our bodies.

(To know more about Aqua Health Alkaline Ionized Water, please call 636-1140; 636-1153; 637-7908 or you can visit www.aquahealth.com.ph)