Cono Sur Wine Tasting at Tiki Taka, Medan Damansara

[Dining]

Joanne and I recently attended the Cono Sur Wine Pairing at Tiki Taka in Medan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur on 29 July 2019. The wine pairing which was organised by Asiaeuro Wines & Spirits – the official importer and distributor of Cono Sur in Malaysia in partnership with Tiki Taka.

Cono sur Vineyards & Winery was founded in Chile in 1993 with a vision of producing premium, expressive and innovative wines that convey the spirit of the new world. The company distinguishes itself from other wine producers with the creative use of technology, orientation towards quality and respect for the environment. The name “Cono Sur” refers to the company´s geographic position, representing wines proudly made in South America´s southern cone, on whose western edge lies Chile and its renowned wine valleys.

Cono Sur expanded the boundaries of viticulture and winemaking in Chile, introducing widely unknown varieties to the country. They used innovation with what goes into the bottle, and also its packaging, starting in 1995, as they were the first winery in South America to use synthetic corks. In 2002, Cono Sur was the first Chilean winery to use screwcaps with aromatic white wines – the best closure to keep a wine young, fresh and oxidation-free.

From 2002 onwards, based on product performance, technical development and market response, Cono Sur shifted most of their Whites, Rosés and Pinot Noirs along with Reds intended for brief cellaring to advanced screwcap closures.

Cono Sur was born around the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Chile, and the first in the country to produce premium Pinot Noir, and also the first to export the variety. Producing Pinot Noir has been Cono Sur’s most exciting challenge, and it is the only variety present in all of their ranges.

Their Pinot Noir project started in 1999, with the aim of producing unique and expressive wine, while vinified according to the Burgundian tradition. From this same French DO comes Martin Prieur, an experienced Pinot Noir winemaker who has helped Cono Sur select Chilean terroirs and advised on optimum vineyard management.

Thai Summer

Steamed tiger prawns in Thai marinade, mango, longan, toasted cashewnuts, sweet & sour dressing

Paired with the Cono Sur Bicicleta Reserva Gewurztraminer 2017

A zesty and appetising bruschetta that was sweet, piquant and nutty all at the same time. It went well with the wine which had lavish floral notes, and was a good example of a complimenting (as opposed to contrasting) wine pairing.

Smoked Crab Profiteroles

Dungeness crab meat in creamy citrus sauce, parmesan, kyuri in choux pastry

Paired with the Cono Sur Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2017

This was reminiscent of a cream puff except that it was filled with a sweet crab meat filling! It went wonderfully well with the wine which was an elegant, fruity and fresh Chardonnay! This wine is apparently very popular among the fairer sex, and I fully understand why as it had a nice balance of flavours yet remained easy to drink.

Duck & Truffle Paella

Spanish bomba rice cooked in truffle paste, truffle shaving, pecorino romano cheese, smoked duck bacon

Paired with the Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir (1.5L) 2016

We were quite stoked to see real truffle shavings atop the rice! The rice was so delicious that we could just eat it on its own. The wine added a bountiful amount of flavours of dark berries and plums which provided an added dimension to the dish. A very elegant red wine pairing!

Grilled Strawberries & Mozzarella Crostini

Grilled strawberries, baby buffalo mozzarella, avocado aioli, dukkah spice

Paired with the Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grapes 2017

Chef Carrie of Tiki Taka is certainly not shy when it comes to pairing different flavours. I must say that she’s really got some talent as the flavours work very well together AND paired very well with the wine. The wine was pretty complex due to the number of grape varietals, and thus made it one for savouring slowly to discover the various notes.

Lamb Barbecoa Taco

Slow cooked Szechuan style pulled lamb, zucchini tartar, pickled rose apple, spring onion, flour tortilla

Paired with the Cono Sur 20 Barrels Carmenere 2017

A tasty little canape that was paired with the wine which was aged inside a huge barrel (hence the name 20 barrels). The wine had a generous amount of spice and structure, enabling it to hold its own against the spicy lamb. This wine was definitely for more seasoned wine drinkers and those who know how to appreciate more full bodied wines!

The tasting ended with a Dark Chocolate Truffle which I duly enjoyed with the Cono Sur Single Vineyard 8 Grapes 2017.

The five (5) wines we tasted are on promotion (price listed above) at Tiki Taka until the end of August 2019.