Chilean Winemaker Dinner, Covent Garden Hotel, 22nd May

Last week we were extremely lucky to be joined by one of the main men behind the fabulous Casillero del Diablo wines, Chilean winemaker Juan Sabja.  Having arrived only a few days earlier from Chile, Juan was in town for the London International Wine Fair.

After a busy first day at the bustling fair, Juan hosted a wonderful dinner for the lovely ladies from Cosmopolitan Magazine at the Covent Garden Hotel in central London.  The evening kicked off in style with canapés and a flute of Casillero del Diablo Brut Sparkling Chardonnay and followed with a delicious three-course meal matched to Casillero del Diablo wines, of course! 

It is fair to say that we all took the opportunity to ask Juan a plethora of wine-related questions.  From wine making techniques to a passionate debate about whether or not Chardonnay is in fashion – there was plenty of wine conversation around. 

The Cosmo girls were all keen to learn more about food and wine matching, and Juan was on hand to talk us through the wines that were served with each course: 

Starter

Crab, scallion and coriander cake, chipotle, lime 

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc

Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Sauvignon Blanc

 Main Course

Rump of Lamb, broad beans, peas, caper and mint jus

Casillero del Diablo Carmenere

Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

 Dessert

Selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses

 Casillero del Diablo Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc

The dessert wine, which has only just arrived in the UK, was a big hit with the Cosmo ladies and it paired perfectly with the delicious selection of Neal’s Yard cheeses.

We all had a fab night and were delighted that the Cosmo ladies could join us.  Check out their account of the evening here.