10 sommelier-approved wines from Manila Uncorked 2018

Gail Sotelo

<p>Manila’s wine professionals and passionate winos happily attended Manila Uncorked 2018, now on its second year. It’s a once-a-year opportunity for them to meet award-winning local sommeliers and gain an in-depth understanding of their professional and competitive experiences.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked12.jpg' ><figcaption>Filipino sommeliers, from left, Philippine Sommelier Competition 2018 Champion Eanglebert Guina, Sherwin Acoba of 210, Philippine Sommelier Competition 2018 1st runner-up Gerard Damasco, and Cyril Addison, director of the Philippine Sommelier Association</figcaption></figure></div><p>The event had fun and educational activities such as seminars on different wine producing regions and grapes, plus the much-anticipated Manila Uncorked Challenge, a blind tasting competition.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked13.jpg' ><figcaption>A wine seminar in progress</figcaption></figure></div><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked14.jpg' ><figcaption>A multitude of wines for the tasting</figcaption></figure></div><p>Manila Uncorked is organized by the Philippine Sommelier Association that envisions developing, enhancing, and uplifting the “local sommelier profession to be at par with world-class standards.” It works on establishing “education courses and specialized training for sommeliers.”</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/2uncorked.jpg' ><figcaption>Members of the Philippine Sommelier Association</figcaption></figure></div><p>The organization coordinates with international associations to provide global exposure to local talent, such as working with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) to host international competitions locally. It also holds events for industry practitioners from the service and supply ends to showcase both its members’ skills and wines available in the market.</p><p>With Manila’s top wine suppliers in attendance, the event was a great place to taste locally available wines. Here are ten of my favorites:</p><p><strong>Click on the image below for slideshow</strong></p><div class='media-content'><div class='slider-for'><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/3uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/4uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/5uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked15.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/6uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/7uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/8uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked10.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked11.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked16.jpg' ></div></div><div class='media-content slider-desc'><div class='item-desc'><p>Masottina Prosecco Brut (Veneto, Italy) is a nice, well-rounded version of the Italian sparkling classic, and is a great benchmark for a proper prosecco. <a href='http://www.estatewine.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.estatewine.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>From the oldest family business in Spain, Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs (Penedes, Spain) is versatile enough to drink alone, or can be paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres. <a href='http://www.awc.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.awc.com.ph </a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I’m always on the lookout for a good rosé to match our food and weather, and I find that this prettily packaged Château Croix de Labrie La Rosé de Labrie (Bordeaux, France) is just perfect. <a href='http://www.happylivingph.com' target='_blank'>www.happylivingph.com</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I like the crisp, floral characteristics of this M. Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche Blanc (Rhône, France), but my all-time favorite from the label is the Moiner de la Sizeranne. A bit of trivia—this Rhône winery has been producing wines with Braille on the label since 1994 to aid blind people in buying wine.<a href='http://www.pwxchange.com.ph' target='_blank'> www.pwxchange.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I admit I was first drawn by the packaging of this Beats The Devil Premium Shiraz (Victoria, Australia), but I was happy to find a robust, inexpensive Australian Shiraz. Handelaar Corp., (02) 802-2123, email info@handelaarcorp.com</p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Speaking of being drawn by the packaging, the multi-colored selection of Liquid Gold Prosecco (Treviso, Italy) caught my eye enough to recommend it for Christmas parties. Liquid Gold Wine and Spirits, (02) 817-8448, email admin@liquidgold.com.ph, <a href='http://www.liquidgolddrinks.com' target='_blank'>www.liquidgolddrinks.com</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Speaking of hunting down a good rosé for our weather, this exquisitely done Château de Roquefort Corail Rosé (Provence, France) reminds me of perfect Parisian summers. FB: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sommelierselection' target='_blank'>Sommelier Selection</a> </p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I wasn’t able to try the Game of Thrones Red Wine (Paso Robles, California) and Silver Oak (Napa Valley, California) during the event, but I’ve had them before. The GoT wine is fun to drink over marathons of the popular HBO series and is actually a pretty decent, food friendly wine. Silver Oak is an award-winning and beautiful expression of a proper Napa wine. <a href='http://wineclub.com.ph' target='_blank'>wineclub.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>This wonderfully aromatic Famille Hugel Classic Gewürztraminer (Alsace, France) is my go-to wine for cheese parties, and is a good way to elevate the sweet wine experience. <a href='http://planetgrapes.com.ph' target='_blank'>planetgrapes.com.ph</a> </p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua, Chile) is a massive, food friendly wine that’s a staple in wine stores (and on our dinner table). Colchagua is a pretty warm region, producing exceptionally ripe and powerful red wines. <a href='http://www.pwm.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.pwm.com.ph </a></p></div></div></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Wine photos by Gail Sotelo</em></p><p><em>Gail Sotelo has a WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits. She is a wine consultant, blogger, and lecturer. She owns the drink blog </em><em><u><a href='http://2shotsandapint.com/' target='_blank'>2shotsandapint.com</a></u></em><em> which aims to make wine and other drinks accessible to everybody, and holds classes at Enderun Colleges.</em></p>

<div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked14.jpg' ><figcaption>A multitude of wines for the tasting</figcaption></figure></div><p>Manila Uncorked is organized by the Philippine Sommelier Association that envisions developing, enhancing, and uplifting the “local sommelier profession to be at par with world-class standards.” It works on establishing “education courses and specialized training for sommeliers.”</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/2uncorked.jpg' ><figcaption>Members of the Philippine Sommelier Association</figcaption></figure></div><p>The organization coordinates with international associations to provide global exposure to local talent, such as working with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) to host international competitions locally. It also holds events for industry practitioners from the service and supply ends to showcase both its members’ skills and wines available in the market.</p><p>With Manila’s top wine suppliers in attendance, the event was a great place to taste locally available wines. Here are ten of my favorites:</p><p><strong>Click on the image below for slideshow</strong></p><div class='media-content'><div class='slider-for'><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/3uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/4uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/5uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked15.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/6uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/7uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/8uncorked.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked10.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked11.jpg' ></div><div><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked16.jpg' ></div></div><div class='media-content slider-desc'><div class='item-desc'><p>Masottina Prosecco Brut (Veneto, Italy) is a nice, well-rounded version of the Italian sparkling classic, and is a great benchmark for a proper prosecco. <a href='http://www.estatewine.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.estatewine.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>From the oldest family business in Spain, Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs (Penedes, Spain) is versatile enough to drink alone, or can be paired with heavy hors d’oeuvres. <a href='http://www.awc.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.awc.com.ph </a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I’m always on the lookout for a good rosé to match our food and weather, and I find that this prettily packaged Château Croix de Labrie La Rosé de Labrie (Bordeaux, France) is just perfect. <a href='http://www.happylivingph.com' target='_blank'>www.happylivingph.com</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I like the crisp, floral characteristics of this M. Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche Blanc (Rhône, France), but my all-time favorite from the label is the Moiner de la Sizeranne. A bit of trivia—this Rhône winery has been producing wines with Braille on the label since 1994 to aid blind people in buying wine.<a href='http://www.pwxchange.com.ph' target='_blank'> www.pwxchange.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I admit I was first drawn by the packaging of this Beats The Devil Premium Shiraz (Victoria, Australia), but I was happy to find a robust, inexpensive Australian Shiraz. Handelaar Corp., (02) 802-2123, email info@handelaarcorp.com</p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Speaking of being drawn by the packaging, the multi-colored selection of Liquid Gold Prosecco (Treviso, Italy) caught my eye enough to recommend it for Christmas parties. Liquid Gold Wine and Spirits, (02) 817-8448, email admin@liquidgold.com.ph, <a href='http://www.liquidgolddrinks.com' target='_blank'>www.liquidgolddrinks.com</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Speaking of hunting down a good rosé for our weather, this exquisitely done Château de Roquefort Corail Rosé (Provence, France) reminds me of perfect Parisian summers. FB: <a href='https://www.facebook.com/sommelierselection' target='_blank'>Sommelier Selection</a> </p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>I wasn’t able to try the Game of Thrones Red Wine (Paso Robles, California) and Silver Oak (Napa Valley, California) during the event, but I’ve had them before. The GoT wine is fun to drink over marathons of the popular HBO series and is actually a pretty decent, food friendly wine. Silver Oak is an award-winning and beautiful expression of a proper Napa wine. <a href='http://wineclub.com.ph' target='_blank'>wineclub.com.ph</a></p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>This wonderfully aromatic Famille Hugel Classic Gewürztraminer (Alsace, France) is my go-to wine for cheese parties, and is a good way to elevate the sweet wine experience. <a href='http://planetgrapes.com.ph' target='_blank'>planetgrapes.com.ph</a> </p></div><div class='item-desc'><p>Montes Classic Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua, Chile) is a massive, food friendly wine that’s a staple in wine stores (and on our dinner table). Colchagua is a pretty warm region, producing exceptionally ripe and powerful red wines. <a href='http://www.pwm.com.ph' target='_blank'>www.pwm.com.ph </a></p></div></div></div><p><em> </em></p><p><em>Wine photos by Gail Sotelo</em></p><p><em>Gail Sotelo has a WSET Advanced Certificate in Wines and Spirits. She is a wine consultant, blogger, and lecturer. She owns the drink blog </em><em><u><a href='http://2shotsandapint.com/' target='_blank'>2shotsandapint.com</a></u></em><em> which aims to make wine and other drinks accessible to everybody, and holds classes at Enderun Colleges.</em></p>

<p>The event had fun and educational activities such as seminars on different wine producing regions and grapes, plus the much-anticipated Manila Uncorked Challenge, a blind tasting competition.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked13.jpg' ><figcaption>A wine seminar in progress</figcaption></figure></div>

<p>Manila’s wine professionals and passionate winos happily attended Manila Uncorked 2018, now on its second year. It’s a once-a-year opportunity for them to meet award-winning local sommeliers and gain an in-depth understanding of their professional and competitive experiences.</p><div class='embed-wrap'><figure data-feedback='fb:likes,fb:comments'><img src='http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/food-n-drink/2018/12/uncorked12.jpg' ><figcaption>Filipino sommeliers, from left, Philippine Sommelier Competition 2018 Champion Eanglebert Guina, Sherwin Acoba of 210, Philippine Sommelier Competition 2018 1st runner-up Gerard Damasco, and Cyril Addison, director of the Philippine Sommelier Association</figcaption></figure></div>

<p>When Filipino sommeliers get together, you can be sure the wine will be good and plentiful.</p>

When Filipino sommeliers get together, you can be sure the wine will be good and plentiful.

10 sommelier-approved wines from Manila Uncorked 2018 | ABS-CBN News

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10 sommelier-approved wines from Manila Uncorked 2018

10 sommelier-approved wines from Manila Uncorked 2018