Castilla-La Mancha Gourmet Food and Wine Expo in Singapore

When you frequently attend wine fairs and see the offerings from particular wine regions, there is a tendency to form an idea on the types of wine which will be exhibited and grape varietals most likely to be used in similar wines in future wine events.

The mind also tends to quickly detect anomalies from these perceived notions when reality throws something a little different. The Castilla-La Mancha event presented such a situation.

Upon entering the event room, it was the wines at Bodegas Vidal del Saz's wine table which quickly caught my eyes. Some of the 'for bubbly shaped' bottles contained wines in amber-red, silver and deep lemon-yellow colours. Colours strikingly unusual to see in wines that the mind takes quick notice of the anomaly and moves you towards the table.

Bodegas Vidal del Saz
 

A tasting showed they were sparkling wines with an off dry nature. The representative at the table explained that macabeo (viura) varietal is used for these wines. Fermentation is halted midway to retain some sweetness and exhibit low alcohol. (But the mind persists with curiosity; that's not the colour of a normal macabeo 'white' wine it contends; be it sparkling or still). The merchant explained that a colouring is added to these wines to give the eye catching, fun colours. The wines are Mavam Gold Fusion Fortune, Mavam Gold Fusion Vulcano and Mavam Gold Fusion Glaciar. These are meant to be a fun sips; party drinks made to be pleasant, light bodied, easy and approachable. Something certainly different.

Creative wine labels capture one's eyes as well and make the wines stand out among tables of wine bottles. Bodegas Isidro Milagro showcased a range of such wines; 2 whites and 2 reds. A little creative effort certainly goes some way to capture one's attention.

Bodegas Isidro Milagro
 

Among the white wines exhibited, I was looking forward to a good measure of Airen. (This is the La Mancha wine region after all). There was indeed; but equally there was a good representation from other white varietals like Verdejo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc as well.

For the reds, Tempranillo based wines were easily noticeable among the tables; either as a single varietal wine or showing in blends with varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah also appeared as single varietal wines. What was pleasantly surprising was seeing winemakers exhibiting single varietal Petit Verdot wines; namely, Bodegas San Dionisio, Capilla del Fraile and Dominio de Punctum (not a common finding at wine events).

Dominio de Punctum stood out during this event for their organic and biodynamic wines. Dehesa de Los Llanos (famous for its award winning artisan Manchego cheese) showcased some of its back vintages; giving trade professionals an idea of how well made wines mature given time.

Dehesa de Los Llanos
 

More pictures of event can be viewed at: Photo Album for Castilla-La Mancha event.

Here's a list of participants of this event:
Bodegas Verum
Finca El Refugio
Bodegas Vidal del Saz
Dehesa de Los Llanos
Bodegas San Dionisio
Aceites Olimpo
Bodegas Isidro Milagro
Bodegas El Progreso
Capilla del Fraile
Candy Spain
Bodegas Santa Cruz
Dominio de Punctum
Tavasa
Bodegas Montalvo Wilmot

For more information on the participants, you can contact IPEX Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) at clmgourmet@perspectiva.asia