18th FEB 2025
7 PM ~ 11 PM
The evening of 18th February 2025 was special at Blanc Restaurant Penang. Guests experienced an extraordinary night at the Alvaro Palacios Wine Dinner. Wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike joined for this exclusive event. The legendary master winemaker, Alvaro Palacios, hosted the dinner, providing insights into his wines.
Palacios is well-known for revolutionizing the Spanish wine industry. His presence added prestige to the occasion, making it more than just a meal. Attendees enjoyed exquisite wine pairings, complemented by meticulously crafted dishes.
Blanc is a fine dining restaurant located within the historic Macalister Mansion in George Town, Penang. Housed in an 18th-century colonial-style boutique hotel, Blanc offers a sophisticated ambiance characterized by royal blue walls, white window shutters, and a striking faux white tree at its center.
Born into a winemaking family in Rioja, Álvaro Palacios initially trained at the family estate, Palacios Remondo. He later studied in Bordeaux, where he learned from Jean-Pierre Moueix at Château Pétrus. This experience deeply influenced his winemaking approach and techniques. It inspired him to explore Spain's forgotten regions.
The Wine Selection: A Journey Through Spain’s Finest
The evening presented four exceptional wines. Each expressed Spain’s unique terroir, character, and craftsmanship.
La Baixada 2019
The La Baixada 2019 is a remarkable DOQ Priorat wine. It has vibrant notes of blackberries and licorice with subtle spice. The blend of Garnacha and Carignan grapes results in a velvety texture. This wine elevated the pairing with Hokkaido Scallop, Oscietra Caviar, Blood Orange, and Citrus Kosho to new heights.
Les Aubaguetes 2019
Next, the Les Aubaguetes 2019 is a rare treasure from Priorat. It demonstrates Palacios’ artistry. The wine is silky yet powerful, featuring ripe cherries, floral notes, and earthy undertones. Enjoying it with Coq au Vin resulted in a perfect harmony of flavors, with acidity and refined tannins balancing the dish’s richness.
Quinón de Valmira 2019
From DOC Rioja, the Quinón de Valmira 2019 is ethereal and sophisticated. Its Tempranillo grapes produce an enchanting bouquet of red berries and rose petals. This exquisite wine paired beautifully with New Zealand Lamb Saddle with Cashew Nut, Sweet Pea, and Mint, enhancing the overall experience.
Las Lamas 2019
Las Lamas 2019 is a jewel from DO Bierzo. It’s a mesmerizing blend, rich in intensity with notes of plums and chocolate. The wine paired elegantly with the Angus Short Rib MB3 with Périgueux Sauce, enhancing the dish's smoky flavors remarkably.
An Evening of Culinary Excellence
The team at Blanc Restaurant curated a meticulously designed menu. Each dish complemented the wines while enhancing their flavors. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience, experiencing food and wine pairing artistry. The indulgent finale, Blanc Chendol with Azuki Red Bean, Pandan, and Gula Melaka, provided a delightful finish, contrasting beautifully with the wine’s deep notes.
A Night to Remember
With Alvaro Palacios himself guiding the experience, attendees received more than a taste of fine wine. They were taken on a journey through Spain’s revered wine regions. His storytelling and expertise transformed the evening into an unforgettable masterclass in winemaking and appreciation.
The Alvaro Palacios Wine Dinner at Blanc Restaurant Penang was truly a night of passion, tradition, and perfection. Every guest left with a newfound love for Spanish wines and a longing for the next exquisite experience.
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