Optimism is an intrinsic American value,it is a spirit open to anyone and everyone willing to try.What characterizes America’s past and how it looks to the future is the unshakable belief that anything is possible.
Beringer, for its part is an iconic American brand, not just a name on a bottle. It is much more than just a winery. It is an authentic brand filled with the spirit of American optimism, of hope and dedication. Confidence and perseverance. It is consistent, trusted and respected, both forward looking and extremely proud of its evolving legacy.
The Beringer Brothers, Jacob and Frederik first saw America in the 1850s as a land brimming with potential. Thus, upon arriving in Napa, the brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer were reminded of the wine regions of their native Germany. By 1876, brothers Jacob and Frederick established Beringer Vineyards with a dream of making wines that would rival the finest in Europe.They laid down roots and put in the time and hard work it takes to turn a dream into something more meaningful. Something better.
Today, Jacob’s great great-grandson, Chief Winemaker Mark Beringer, guides what is California’s longest continually operating winery and one of Napa’s finest producers. With over 1,600 acres farmed across Napa‘s best appellations, as well as Sonoma County and Paso Robles, Beringer today is recognized as one of the region’s preeminent producers with a rich portfolio of wines.
Guided by the same vision and legacy of his forebears, Mark Beringer comes to Manila to share the brand’s provenance by holding a series exciting wine events highlighting the excellence that has made Beringer a global brand.
M Café was a fitting venue (locally known as the habitué of the hip and trendy Makati social & business circle)to showcase some of the most outstanding wines from the extensive Beringer portfolio.
The day’s activities began with an afternoon Master Class held especially for the metropolis’ growing number of wine enthusiasts as well as sommeliers, chefs and industry practitioners and conducted by 5th generation Chief Winemaker Mark Beringer. Shared for their discriminating palates’appreciation were stellar wines that included:
- Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Tasting Notes:
The 2010 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has enticing aromas of ripe blackberry,fresh cedar, anise and sweet mint. Dense and structured, its supple tannins are complemented by notes of espresso, unsweetened cocoa and a balanced, silky finish.
- Private Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of grilled pineapple, ripe pear, lemon oil, hazelnut and toasted brioche. A bright fruit core is accentuated by a silky texture and flavors ofyellow apple, Asian pear, meyer lemon and a lush, continuous finish.
- Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Tasting Notes:
The 2013 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe black fruit,mocha, dried herbs and licorice. Opulent but structured, this versatile wine has supple blue and black fruit notes accented by dark chocolate, roasted coffee anda silky, lingering finish.
- Napa Valley Merlot 2014
Tasting Notes:
The 2013 Merlot has lush red and blue fruits highlighted by hints of toffee, dark
cherry and chocolate mint. This fleshy wine offers dark plum, black currant and mocha notes accented by fine tannins.
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Tasting Notes:
Our winemakers take great care to maintain this varietal’s bright fruit characteristics. The Beringer Founders’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc has a wonderfully refreshing grapefruit flavor that is enhanced with intense citrus, ripe stone fruit and white fig. The wine finishes with a clean grassy note and crisp acidity making it a perfect match with grilled fish.
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Noir 2014
Tasting Notes:
The Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Noir is bright ruby in color and displays ripe currant flavors rounded out by aromas of cedar and spice. This wine has immediate fruit-forward flavors that balance well with the toasty smokiness of the oak. It would pair perfectly with a red wine risotto or grilled salmon.
With the night young and anticipation ramping up,the festivities continued as guests were treated to live music and al fresco cocktails featuring Beringer Sparkling White Zinfandel paired with Kesong Puti (carabao cheese) – Sea Urchin Aburi on Coconut Crispy Rice with Soy Kalamansi and a Plaza Ham Carving Station.
A short program hosted by Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi commenced with speakers Katherine Yao-Santos, President of Happy Living Wines welcoming the guests. Opening remarks by U.S. Agriculture Counselor, Ralph Bean followed by Beringer Chief Winemaker Mark Beringer as keynote speaker. Also on this occasion, Grand Winner for the Beringer #BetterBeckons social media promo was awarded a free Trip to the Beringer Napa Valley Winery in California.
Soon after the ceremonial toast, the doors were flung open ushering guests to a Beringer Wine and Food Pairing adventure, featuring seven regional Filipino Haute’ Cuisine that included:
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2014 paired with Seafood Kilawin (Ceviche) Bar
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Chardonnay 2014 & Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay 2014 paired with Frog Sisig (hash) with sous vide Quail Egg; Grilled Bagaybay (Tuna Milt)
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Pinot Noir 2014 paired with Duck Dinuguan (stew) with Puto (sticky rice cake)
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Zinfandel 2014 paired with Grilled Alaminos, Lucban and Vigan Longganisa Skewers
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Merlot 2014 &Beringer Napa Valley Merlot 2014 paired with Bistek (Filipino Spice Marinated) Tenderloin
- Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 paired with Kambing (Goat) Kaldereta Foie Gras Pot Pie
- Beringer Quantum Red Blend 2013 paired with Spiced Davao-Style Lechon (Roast Pork) Belly
Capping off the evening’s wine & food adventure was a final toast and salute to Chef Kalel Chan’s exquisite food adventure with rousing cheers to “Beringer.” The crowd mingled, partied into the night and took selfies, hoping to win the next trip to Beringer’s Napa Valley Winery.