A Sileni dinner at Terry’s

It was an exceptionally glorious night when I recently ventured into a wine-pairing dinner that showcased wines from Sileni Estates and the lip-smacking dishes of Terry’s Selection.

Nigel Avery, Sileni’s general manager for New Zealand and Asia, and Juan Carlos “JC” de Terry of Terry’s hosted a wonderful wine dinner recently to the delight of their guests. JC made a brief presentation of the company and introduced Nigel, who explained the history of Sileni.

The Sileni Estates, according to Nigel, was born from his father Graeme Avery’s long-standing interest in wine. His father established the vineyards because he was committed to produce world-class fine wines from New Zealand. Their vineyards and winery are based near Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. They also source grapes, including Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, from the well-known wine-producing area of Marlborough.

I knew the dinner was going to be good when I devoured the passed-around seafood tartlet, which was heavenly. Dinner started with the jellylike oyster in citrus brunoise served with Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2011. The second appetizer was smoked salmon and Rioja asparagus on Mahón cheese mousseline paired with Sauvignon Blanc “The Straits” 2010. 

An appetizer composed of New Zealand mussel and Pakistani’s curry croquette followed with Pinot Gris. Served next was foie gras mi-cuit (semi-cooked) on duck risotto served with Chardonnay “The Lodge” 2010. I don’t really eat duck but this appetizer was so good that I broke my rule. 

Three main courses followed: Diver’s scallop in lobster-Chardonnay bisque paired with a Pinot Noir EV 2005, cassolette d’escargots in Pinot Noir sauce served with a Merlot EV 2005 and New Zealand baby lamb on Parmesan couscous cream that went well with a Riesling 2012. The dessert was Sileni Riesling ice cream.

Indeed, the Sileni wine-pairing dinner was one of the best I have had in a while.

(Check out www.sileni.co.nz. Terry’s Selection has branches at The Podium, Pasong Tamo and Salcedo Village.) Photos by Pepper Teehankee on a Canon S100 Powershot