World wine press feted at Ch. Lafite-Rothschild at Vinexpo

By 2009-7-5 10:43:48

For over 25 years, the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés en 1855 (Médoc & Sauternes) has organized a dinner honoring the international press on the first evening of Vinexpo-Bordeaux, the world's premier wine and spirits trade fair, said Sylvain Boivert - Directeur CONSEIL des GRANDS CRUS CLASSES en 1855. This dinner is always held at a first growth, and this year the tradition continued as more than 300 people came together at Château Lafite-Rothschild on Sunday, June 21, 2009.

Almost 170 journalists from 25 countries were welcomed by Baron Eric de Rothschild (Château Lafite Rothschild) and Mr. Philippe Castéja, President of the Conseil des Grands Crus Classés en 1855 (Médoc & Sauternes). After a tasting of the 2006 vintage of the Grands Crus Classés of Sauternes and Barsac, the dinner was served in the celebrated barrel cellar designed by Ricardo Bofill. The wines that accompanied the dinner were from the Grands Crus Classés, and were introduced by eminent Sommeliers who commented on each vintage.

The Médoc Grands Crus Classés from the 2001 vintage were served with a starter of Poached Eggs and Garden Peas. Then the 1996 and 1986 vintages accompanied a main course of Preserved Milkfed Lamb, followed by 1978 Lafite Rothschild served from jeroboams. To conclude on a sweet note, the guests were treated to Roasted Peach and Red Fruit with an assortment of Grands Crus Classés from Sauternes and Barsac from the 1996 and 1986 vintages.

From www.sommelierindia.com