Discovering a new wine is always a welcome experience. And when that wine is the very first Filipino-owned wine from Napa Valley, then it truly becomes special...
Cafe Ysabel and Chef Gene Gonzalez recently hosted Corté Riva, the first Filipino-owned wine from Napa Valley in a memorable evening of good food, great wine and awesome company. But it was also an evening celebrating one family's American dream, enjoyed and savored with each soothing sip. Read on for an inspired peek at Napa Valley's very first Filipino-owned wine...
The renowned Filipino-owned wine was recently showcased at one of the metro's enduring and iconic dining institutions where countless stories continue to be shared and retold (for more on Cafe Ysabel, see my posts Wine Not? Rediscover Comforting Local Flavors by Chef Gene Gonzalez Paired with Fine Wine at Cafe Ysabel from 2018 and Afternoon Churros and Ensaimada with Spanish Chocolate at Cafe Ysabel from 2019). Cafe Ysabel by Chef Gene Gonzalez remains an institution in the local restaurant scene, and the perfect stage for a wine tasting with Corté Riva Wines.
Acclaimed chef, restaurateur, TV host and author Gene Gonzalez shared his own personal encounter with Corté Riva Wines many years back, immediately ordering crates and barrels of the Filipino-owned wine for Cafe Ysabel. And it's a relationship that remains strong to this day, with his cellar well-stocked with Corté Riva Wines.
But it's the story of Corté Riva Wines that captivates and teases your palate. How does a Filipino-owned wine from Napa Valley make it to the global wine scene? It all began back in 1978 when Lawrence Cortez, Nieves Cortez and Romel Rivera emigrated to the US to chase the American dream. Working on the field tending the grapes then literally climbing the ladder under the mentorship of winemakers, the Filipino dreamers continued their journey with a deeper appreciation and understanding of wine and the wine business.
Then, a dinner conversation ignited an idea leading to the evolving story of Corte Riva Wines. Entering the fiercely competitive US wine market is no ordinary venture. But the trio of dreamers felt the time was right. The name of the Filipino-owned wine label draws inspiration from the family names Cortez and Rivera, and Nieves Cortez fondly recalled that fateful day when they successfully released their very first vintage back in 2003 consisting of 350 cases of 2001 Corté Riva Merlot and completely sold out in just two months. Today, Corté Riva Wines offers a full selection including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah...
...as well as the flagship 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon "Mabuhay" with its deep and complex notes with bold full bodied tannins and pronounced hints of cherry, dried berry and currant tingling on the palate followed by an elegantly smooth and rich creamy oak finish.
Chef Gene Gonzalez proudly shared one of his prized Corté Riva Wines from his impressive collection for the occasion. The cherished 2007 Petite Sirah with its deep purple hues delivers an intricate weave of dark mildly bitter chocolate, espresso and black berries with each sip a celebration of a remarkable journey.
In between tasty bites and soothing sips, a live performance by Christine Yang completed the mood and vibe at the Corté Riva wine tasting in Cafe Ysabel.
Chef Gene Gonzalez then took the stage sharing his own stories with the first Filipino wine from Napa Valley...
...as Nieves Cortez recalled with fondness the fateful day when they decided as a family to begin a journey into the world of wines while reflecting on where they are today marking another milestone in what has been a truly inspiring story.
And it's a story that comes alive with a another glass and sip of Corté Riva Wines at Cafe Ysabel.
Chef Gene Gonzalez presented an elegant grazing table with gourmet cheeses and various charcuterie but soon after more than a few rounds from the selection of Corté Riva Wines, a sudden craving for a Cafe Ysabel classic pops up. When you're in Cafe Ysabel, you just can't say no to the specialty Callos. With rice. And more Corté Riva Wines.
For over forty years, Cafe Ysabel continues to spin memorable stories from their kitchen that continue to resonate in our collective memories...
...with yet another chapter retold and celebrated with the first Filipino-owned wine from Napa Valley. It's stories like this that enrich the sights, sounds and flavors of every visit to Cafe Ysabel. Whether you come for an afternoon snack or sumptuous meal at Cafe Ysabel, make it extra special with a glass or better yet a bottle of Corté Riva Wines and celebrate the remarkable journey of inspired dreamers.
Corte Riva Wines are exclusively distributed locally by The Wine Steward, Inc. You can visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Wine-Steward-Inc- For more on Corte Riva Wines, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corte-Riva-Vineyards/.
Cafe Ysabel is located at 175 M. Paterno, San Juan, Metro Manila or call 725-5089 for inquiries and reservations.
Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Got something to share? I'd love to hear from you...