A passion for wine
More Filipinos are now enjoying the heavenly pleasures of wine. I myself am one of the converts to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. In fact, Aymar de Baillenx, president of Chateau Beuchevelle and CEO of Barrière Frères, was recently here in Manila. This merely proves that the country is emerging to be an important market for wines.
Aymar is also the managing director of Groupe Grands Millésimes de France. He has been a frequent visitor to Asia for the last 35 years now yet this was just his first time in the Philippines. He came upon the invitation of Edouard Miailhe of Commanderie de Bordeaux Manila. The latter hosted a special Chateau Beychevelle dinner at Maseto, where vintage Chateau Beychevelle 2001 was served to the delight of all the guests. On hand were Kim Atienza and wife Felicia, who served as the evening’s Grand Maitre.
Also present was Travelife’s Christine Cunanan, who had just flown in from Tokyo that very same day. “I need a stiff drink!” exclaimed this survivor. And of course, there was Edouard Miailhe who toasted several glasses of wine with Miguel Aboitiz, Gerry de Jesus, Dong Puno (former Grand Maitre), Bernie Sim, Bill Stone, and Karen Davila. This certainly was an evening filled with great wine and excellent food.
The Commanderie de Bordeaux Manila was officially launched in November 27, 2009. Organized by a small group of lovers of Bordeaux wines, it is affiliated with a worldwide network of Commanderies in 19 countries under the overall patronage of the Bordeaux-based Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux. The Manila chapter is the world’s 75th Commanderie
The members, incidentally called “commandeurs,” serve as the local emissaries of the Bordeaux winemakers. They regularly convene for these dinners, which they dub “parlements.” The word originates from the French verb parler, or to talk. The dinners offer them the opportunity to discuss the wine and learn more about the wines of the various Bordeaux regions.
To be a member, one has to be nominated by a present member. Upon acceptance, a formal induction ceremony is performed, and it’s often presided by the Grand Maître himself. This is a centuries-old tradition. Interest in Bordeaux wines is the prime criterion for membership, though those who have already embarked on wine collecting are especially welcome. The Commanderie seeks diversity in membership, and in particular welcomes female members. - Article Courtesy of Manila Bulletin.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
