Rioja Uncorked
Rioja, Spain's top fine-wine region, boasts a diverse blend of terrains, from sprawling plains to terraced vineyards and gentle hillsides, with rows of grapevines basking under the sun. The soils here are as varied as the vistas, ranging from chalky limestone to iron-rich clay and alluvial silt.
On the second day of September, the sun shone with an intensity that promised a luscious crop. But as the day wore on, dark clouds gathered, culminating in a torrential downpour that showed no signs of abating. With the harvest a mere week away, the rain was more than just an unexpected twist; it was a looming threat.
The Evolution of Super Tuscans
In the verdant hills of Tuscany, a wine revolution quietly unfolded, giving birth to the now-celebrated Super Tuscans. The rules back then stated that producing a Chianti — a region in Tuscany famed for its wine production — needed a minimum of 70% Sangiovese, a percentage of indigenous grapes, and at least 10% white wine.
Peranakan Cuisine and the Art of Patience
In this one-click, on-demand world, traditional Peranakan cuisine presents a very different kind of gratification: a feast crafted not in haste, but through the unhurried art of patience and precision.
It’s a deeply traditional approach that blends Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian food culture, reflecting the multicultural heritage of regions such as Penang, Malacca, Singapore, and Indonesia. Known for its complex flavours, it requires hours or even days of careful preparation and slow cooking.
A Trinity of Truffles
No one ever forgets their first encounter with a truffle — its tantalising earthy and umami aroma promising an unforgettable culinary adventure.
These mysterious morsels have captivated chefs and gourmands for centuries. Amongst the truffle’s illustrious family, three members stand out — the elusive white truffle, the robust black winter truffle, and the gentle black summer truffle.
The 'Extremely Simple Complexity' of Champagne
No longer just the reserve of lavish fetes and special toasts, Champagne's role is evolving, proving its versatility as a companion to a wide range of occasions and dishes. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate each flavour. Its acidity cuts through rich dishes and balances out sweetness, while the nuanced layers within a glass of Champagne—brought forth by different blends of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes—can both complement and contrast with various food profiles.
The Magic of Montrachet
Burgundy is known for its exquisite wine, and amongst its vineyards, Montrachet stands as a beacon, producing some of the world's most extraordinary white wines from the supposedly most banal of grape varieties, chardonnay.
The Mindful Drinking Movement
By now, you have likely already heard of a few people embracing no-alcohol and low-alcohol alternatives. Say hello to the mindful drinking movement – a growing community of people seeking to enjoy the social aspect of drinking without its obvious downsides.
Life Lessons from Clovis Taittinger
What can champagne teach us about life? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
At our recent Taittinger tasting session at Culina, we had the pleasure of chatting with Clovis Taittinger, Managing Director of the maison and fourth-generation family member of one of the biggest champagne houses today. Clovis talked us through a few of their champagnes, including a very special Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2011, the first time it had ever been released in Singapore. He also gave us some valuable insight into embodying the spirit of champagne and just enjoying life.