Having Trinidad from Bodegas Lan in Rioja in London is always a pleasure, doubly so when we have the prospect of a chef’s table at the superb Montagu Bar in The Churchill Hotel. Chef Carlos was in delighted animation as he described some of the dishes awaiting us and our guests as we taste tested the wines that were going to be complimenting the food.
First up was the Santiago Ruiz Albariño 2010 from Rías Baixas: fresh and zesty with a herbal complexity that went perfectly with the sardines and the croquettas.
The Bodegas Lan Reserva 2005 was a delicious match for the Spanish black pudding, the paprika octopus and the ham. Not a bad way to get things underway and the grunts of approval from my dining companions confirmed their agreement.
Next up was the Bodegas Lan Gran Reserva 2004 (a stellar vintage) and the Viña Lanciano which we had with the most incredible lobster (yes we were being truly spoilt!) and Spanish risotto. Two such different wines brought out very different flavours in the food, the Gran Reserva is dark and richly textured with powerful but beautifully integrated oak highlighting the rich earthiness of the lobster while the Lanciano is elegant and feminine with concentration and freshness lifted the juicy tomato risotto and the scented herbs.
In true Spanish style we continued with the red wine with the selection of mouth watering deserts, serving the Edición Limitada 2007.
This is a gorgeous, polished modern masterpiece which a very full and contented crowd happily lingered over long after the plates had been cleared away.
Written by Alex Harper, London Trade Sales
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