[Wine]

MK and I together with MHB’s Kelly Lee headed over to La Bodega in Bangsar Shopping Centre on 16 June 2014 for an exclusive evening of fine wines and delightful canapés organised by La Bodega in collaboration with Abadal Wines. There were a total of five (5) different types of Abadal wines for us to taste – four (4) reds and one (1) white.

Abadal is a relatively new winery and was founded in 1983 by Valentí Roqueta in Santa Maria d’Horta d’Avinyó. The vineyard is located on land close to the family home, la Masia Roqueta, an estate with more than 9 centuries of tradition in winegrowing.

The winery boasts modern facilities however the winemaking tradition of the Bages region is retained, and together with their vine stock, the sparse rainfall and the use of state of the art viticultural and vinicultural techniques result in the Abadal wines which have a striking personality. This is also due to that fact that the grapes are meticulously selected and harvested according to the different types of plots and degrees of ripeness.

I always like to enjoy wine with food and was quite happy that we were served a delicious selection of canapes from the La Bodega menu which included the Tortilla Espanola (Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions), Calamares Fritos (deep-fried fresh squids served with garlic mayonnaise), Mix Croquetas Platter (an assortment of roasted chicken, cod fish, and mushroom croquettes), Pinchos De Pollo (marinated chicken skewers), and Paella Valenciana Mixta (Spanish rice cooked in a paella pan with seafood).

One massive paella!

Elaine and MK with the brand ambassador

Masies d’Avinyo Abadal – Picapoll
Pla de Bages, 2012 (España)

The recovery of local varieties, a commitment to the identity of a wine-growing region. Maintaining the diversity of varieties and sensations as the land’s response to standardization. A white wine with generous breadth in the mouth, suggesting fruity and floral complexity. Pineapple and grapefruit on jasmine and apricot.

tomcat says – this was a refreshing and easy to drink wine. Not too dry and perfect for some easy drinking!

Masies d’Avinyo Seleccio 07
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mando, Sumoll
Pla de Bages, 2007 (España)

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mando and Sumoll reflects the landscape of Bages and offers the wine of a remarkable complexity. This wine spent 14 months in fine grain European oak.

Tasting notes: Black fruit (blackberries, plums) evolving into red fruits as it develops in the glass

tomcat says – a sophisticated wine which is wonderful when nosed

Masies d’Avinyo Abadal Crianza Tinto
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Pla de Bages, 2009 (España)

Universal varieties, as a channel of expression of unique land. Cold vintages that respect aromas. Complete maturations: varietal expression. Notes of cherry, redcurrant, cocoa and spices. Spent twelve months in six different oaks, fusing power into elegance.

Masies d’Avinyo Abadall 5 – Merlot
Pla de Bages, 2009 (España)

Its powerful and remarkably fruity bouquet highlights the scents of the grape (bilberries, strawberry, pepper). Full-bodied, the balancing acid gives this wine a lively and supple character. Its evolution on the palate gives a long flavoursome finish accentuated by varietal aromas.

tomcat says – I’m not quite a fan of full bodied wines however the older guests seemed to like this one (something to do with the tongue getting thicker with age thus less sensitive or something)

Masies d’Avinyo Abadal 3.9 Reserva
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Pla de Bages, 2008 (España)

The expression of a plot over the years. Estate wine: identity and character. Chalky stone on red clay, rounded tannins and mineral expression. The wooded landscape embracing the vineyard, fruit adorned in an aromatic and balsamic setting. Twelve months in new cask, respecting and blending the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah of terraces.

Here are a couple more photos from the night.

Abadal wines are now available at La Bodega outlets in Malaysia.

More info on ABadal Wines at http://www.abadal.net/

More info on La Bodega at http://www.bodega.com.my/

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Published by Tim Chew

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