First Course Pork Shanghai Lumpia
Quercioli Grasparossa Lambrusco
Region: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Grape Varietal: Grasparossa
8% ABV
Appearance:
The wine presents a deep ruby-red color with vivid violet reflections. Its clarity is striking, and the fine, persistent froth adds to its inviting charm, hinting at its effervescent nature.
Nose:
Quercioli Grasparossa Lambrusco offers an intense and aromatic bouquet. Primary aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and plums dominate, intertwined with floral notes of violets that bring an elegant complexity. As the wine opens up, subtle earthy undertones and hints of cocoa and dried herbs emerge, adding depth to its aromatic profile.
Palate:
Vibrant and well-balanced, with a semi-sweet character that perfectly harmonizes with its high acidity. The flavors mirror the nose, with juicy black cherries, wild berries, and raspberries leading the charge. There is a subtle hint of licorice and almond that adds nuance to the mid-palate. The texture is soft and velvety, complemented by gentle tannins that provide a light grip without overwhelming the palate. The effervescence enhances the wine's lively character, making it both refreshing and engaging.
Finish:
Clean and crisp, leaving a lingering impression of ripe fruit and a subtle sweetness. The slight sparkle persists on the tongue, further emphasizing the wine's playful and celebratory nature.
Second Course Coconut Chicken Adobo Soup
Jean Geiler Grand Cru Riesling
Region: Alsace
Grape Varietal: Riesling
13.5% ABV
Appearance:
Displays a pale golden-yellow hue with green highlights, reflecting its youth and vibrancy. The wine is brilliantly clear, with a slight viscosity that hints at its structured profile and concentration.
Nose:
Intensely aromatic and highly expressive. Initial aromas of ripe citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and grapefruit are beautifully complemented by green apple and pear. As the wine breathes, subtle floral notes of white blossoms and elderflower emerge, interwoven with a pronounced minerality that evokes wet stone and flint. A whisper of honey and a hint of petrol—a classic hallmark of fine Riesling—add layers of complexity to the bouquet.
Palate:
Precise, lively, and beautifully structured. High acidity forms the backbone, providing a refreshing and zesty character that balances the wine’s concentrated fruit flavors. Bright notes of lemon zest, lime, and green apple dominate, followed by hints of peach and apricot that add a touch of ripeness. The mid-palate reveals the wine’s mineral-driven core, with chalky and saline undertones enhancing its sense of place. The texture is crisp yet elegant, with a slight creaminess that provides balance and depth.
Finish:
Long, clean, and resonant, leaving a lasting impression of citrus zest, green apple, and a distinctive minerality. There is a refreshing austerity to the wine’s conclusion, with its bright acidity and stony essence lingering on the palate, inviting another sip.
Third Course Vegetable Pancit
Decoy Zinfandel
Region: California
Grape Varietal: 80% Zinfandel/16% Petite Sirah/4% Carignan
ABV: 13.9%
Appearance:
Deep ruby red with garnet undertones, indicating its concentration and ripeness. The wine is clear and brilliant, with a medium viscosity that hints at its moderate alcohol content and balanced structure.
Nose:
Intensely aromatic and inviting. Ripe red and black fruits dominate, with lush aromas of blackberries, raspberries, and cherries taking center stage. These fruity notes are complemented by a warm spiciness, featuring hints of black pepper, cinnamon, and clove. A subtle oak influence adds layers of complexity, with aromas of vanilla, toasted coconut, and a touch of cedar rounding out the bouquet.
Palate:
Full-bodied and plush, delivering a generous wave of ripe fruit flavors. Blackberries, plums, and raspberry preserves are prominent, supported by a spicy undercurrent of cracked pepper and licorice. The oak influence is seamlessly integrated, providing notes of mocha, vanilla, and baking spices without overshadowing the fruit. The tannins are smooth and well-rounded, offering structure and balance, while the acidity is lively, adding freshness to the wine's richness.
Finish:
Long and satisfying, leaving lingering impressions of dark fruit, vanilla, and a hint of spice. The wine concludes with a subtle warmth, reflecting its ripeness and harmonious balance.
Fourth Course Pork Belly Kare Kare
Clos Alkio Garnatxa Negra
Region: Catalonia, Spain
Grape 100% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir)
ABV: 15%
Appearance:
Bright ruby-red color with violet reflections, indicative of its youthful character and freshness. It is clear and brilliant, with medium viscosity that hints at its moderate alcohol content and balanced structure.
Nose:
Inviting and aromatic, dominated by vibrant red fruit aromas such as strawberries, raspberries, and cherries. These are complemented by subtle floral notes of lavender and violets, adding elegance to the bouquet. As the wine opens up, hints of Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and rosemary emerge, along with a touch of white pepper and a whisper of wet stone, reflecting its terroir-driven nature.
Palate:
Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with bright acidity that gives the wine a lively, refreshing character. The ripe red fruit flavors from the nose carry through, with cherries and redcurrants taking center stage. These are layered with soft hints of licorice, spice, and earthy undertones, adding complexity and depth. The tannins are fine-grained and smooth, providing structure without overpowering the wine’s delicate fruit profile. The texture is silky, making it exceptionally easy to drink.
Finish:
Long and elegant, leaving lingering impressions of red fruit and a gentle herbal spiciness. A faint mineral quality lingers at the end, enhancing the wine’s sense of place and adding a refreshing lift that invites another sip.
Fifth Course Ube Mochi Waffles
Quevedo 20yr Tawny Port
Region: Douro Valley, Portugal
Grape Touriga Nacional/ Touriga Franca/Tinta Roriz Tinta Barroca/Tinto Cão
ABV: 19.5%
Appearance:
Wine showcases a captivating amber-brown hue with golden highlights, a hallmark of its two decades of oxidative aging. Its clarity is impeccable, and the slight viscosity observed when swirled in the glass hints at its luscious texture and higher sugar content.
Nose:
Beautifully aromatic and complex. Layers of dried fruits, such as figs, dates, and golden raisins, dominate initially, followed by nuanced notes of roasted nuts, toasted almonds, and walnuts. Hints of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch intertwine with subtle orange zest and baking spices, including cinnamon and clove. The aromatic profile is further enriched by a delicate touch of vanilla and a whisper of fine oak.
Palate:
Rich, velvety, and impeccably balanced. The sweetness is immediately noticeable but is perfectly countered by a bright acidity that gives the wine vibrancy and lift. Flavors of dried apricots, candied orange peel, and figs are complemented by layers of hazelnuts, almonds, and a delicate spiced toffee character. There’s a beautiful oxidative quality, revealing notes of brown sugar, crème brûlée, and subtle espresso, which add depth and sophistication. The texture is smooth and mouthcoating, with a luxurious weight that lingers without becoming cloying.
Finish:
Exceptionally long and graceful, leaving lingering impressions of dried fruits, toasted nuts, and a warm caramelized sweetness. A faint salinity and minerality emerge in the final moments, providing a sense of freshness and ensuring the wine’s finish remains balanced and dynamic.
