Tasty options for the festive season

Bangkok Fine Wines Co, under the leadership of Jonathan and Patcharee Glonek, paraded its wines before appreciative fans at two events last week. Leigh Gilligan, director of Richardson Vintners, joined the Gloneks from his Adelaide-area headquarters for sold-out events at the Conrad and Sheraton Grande hotels.

Producing wines under the Brokenhills Estate label as well as his own Gilligan single-vineyard shiraz, Gilligan purchases the majority of his grapes from growers throughout the Barossa and McLaren Vale region.  

The Sheraton Grande's BarSu nightspot, with its famous "wapas" - delicious, small portions a la tapas of everything from salmon to Angus beef - proved the ideal setting for showing off the wines.

Modestly priced Charles Steiner brut sparkler could start any party appropriately and was an icebreaker at BarSu. Brokenhills reds are all easy on the palate and the pocketbook at about Bt1,000 each, with '05 Bundy's Patch shiraz leading the way.

Fruit-forward and well balanced, it's a perfect party red. The highlight of the evening and a must-buy is Gilligan's Rhone-style blend of shiraz, grenache and mouvedre. It's an in-your-face, robustly fruity red with judicious tannins and luxurious finish. Australian critic James Halliday rates it five stars.

Only a few cases available from Bangkok Fine Wines, so best to order now.

One of Thailand's most experienced hospitality-industry suppliers, Strategic Catering Co, presented its latest wines to a hundred wine enthusiasts, including Argentine Ambassador Felipe Frydman, at the Four Seasons two weeks ago.

Managing director Somchai Chancharoensin used the occasion to also introduce the firm's new website. Good timing, since it allows holiday party planners to order electronically, saving not only time but money on sky-high petrol prices.

New to SC's list are Cape Jaffa wines from Australia's Limestone Coast south of Adelaide. There's a full selection of reds as well as whites in the Bt1,200-to-Bt1,600 price range, but it's the whites that have garnered critical acclaim.

The '07 sauvignon blanc is crisp, dry and full of herbaceous character, while the '07 unwooded chardonnay exudes melon and peach flavours with solid body and full finish.

Cape Jaffa prides itself as a totally bio-dynamic producer, meaning minimal use of chemicals and maximum attention to recycling and natural farming.

Pascal Tosa wines from Argentina are another of SC's extensive list of quality wines, including a sparkling brut chardonnay-chenin blend that's a natural for holiday parties. Tosa's malbec and syrah are regularly noted by international wine publications as best buys for character and quality.

Once into SC's website you will find a full selection of additional products ranging from fruit juices to pastas for your festive season needs. Chaiyo!

Bangkok Fines Wines is at (02) 392 0735.  Strategic Catering is at (02) 261 4401 and online at StrategicCatering.com.