Wine tasting event with Moët Hennessy at Ciani Lugano

A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure to attend the Moët Hennessy Estates and Wines wine tasting event at Ciani Restaurant in Lugano.

The location is truly stunning and certainly the perfect fit to try the Moët Hennessy wines served with passing  delicious finger foods and presented by Lorenzo Pasquini and Wendy Van Den Schrick from Moët Hennessy.

I truly enjoyed learning more about the different wines on the day such as Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, Terrazas Reserva Malbec and Cheval des Andes and Numanthia. Although I am far from a wine expert it was a great experience which was not only enjoyable but also very interesting, I know feel I know a bit more about the Moët Hennessy wines and would certainly love to go to other wine tasting events and learn more about wines and the wine making process. It was also great to learn which food fits each wine to the best.

The Menu

Cloudy Bay

Sauvignon Blanc 

2016

The vineyard grapes for the Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from estate and grower wineyards located in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renwick and Brancott sub-regions of the Wairau Walley.

A vibran mix of kaffir lime, lemon zest and nectareine aromatics intermingle with the bright perfume of orange blossom.

THE SEASON The 2016 season was one of the driest that the Marlborough region has experienced since the wine industry was established in the province. A cool start to the growing season presented numerous frost events that provided continuing challenges right up until flowering. Favourable flowering conditions led to a high bunch number per vine that was moderated with thinning in November and then again prior to veraison. 

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2014

The wine is very aromatic displaying a classic bouquet of Pinot Noir.

Uppon nosing the wine, a wide selection of flavours appear from the lighter spectrum of rose, violet and ripe berry fruit through to dark cherry with a hint of luscious plum.

The palate is concentrated and framed with ripe silky tannins.

Terrazas Reserva Malbec

Harvest 2014 was very atypical. Spring was very cool, followed by a very hot summer, particularly during the months of December and January.  These climatic conditions delivered fresh aromatic wines thanks to the low temperatures during the ripening process, high levels of acidity, concentration and a lot of juiciness in the mouth. These wines are very elegant by nature and with a strong ageing capacity. A fresh, fruity and floral Malbec. Balanced concentration, juiciness, good natural acidity and cellaring potential. The presence of wood completes and complements the fruit notes. Aromas of red cherries and violets.

Cheval des Andes 2012

Red ruby color with violet highlights. The nose is complex and elegant. It shows notes of tobacco and white pepper followed by some notes of ripe yellow fruits such as apricot, peach, black fig and quince jam. On the palate, the first impression is driven by mentholated hints. A very balanced character between acidity and the dense silkiness of the tannins impacts on the elegant finish of this Grand Cru. 

 Wendy Van Den Schrick and Lorenzo Pasquini from Moët Hennessy

Numanthia 2011

Deep dark bright red with light ruby tones. This intense and complex wine showcases notes of fresh and mature fruits, especially strawberries and figs which are accompanied by flavors of cream pastry. The nose goes on to uncover light balsamic touches perfectly integrated with spices such as black pepper combined with notes of tobacco leaves and tiramisu. An intense, powerful and vigorous wine displaying great structure. Impressive fruit expression accompanied by sweet and well ripened tannins, leading to a marked, unctuous mouth feel. A long and persistent finish with spicy and cacao notes.

Information on the wines provided by Moët Hennessy

Thanks Moët Hennessy for the great event!