First, a little snippet from wiki about Napa Valley:

In 1965, Napa Valley icon Robert Mondavi broke away from his family’s Charles Krug estate to found his own. This was the first new large scale winery to be established in the valley since before prohibition. Following the establishment of the Mondavi estate, the number of wineries in the valley continued to grow, as did the region’s reputation.

Travis Brown, Regional Director for Asia for Robert Mondavi wines
Travis Brown, Regional Director for Asia for Robert Mondavi wines

In addition, Robert Mondavi Winery also perfected the dry oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc and labeled it as “Fumé Blanc” in 1966. This was an unpopular variety in California at the time, but the wine proved to be a success.

In time, Robert Mondavi successfully developed a number of premium wines that earned the respect of connoisseurs and vintners alike.

tomato, cheese, bread, calamari, simple yet utterly delicious
tomato, cheese, bread, calamari, simple yet utterly delicious

A few weeks ago, we were invited to the winemaker’s dinner at Favola, Le Meridien KL.

Classy Italian food prepared by one of my favorite chefs – Chef Antoine, and pairing them with some fine wines from Robert Mondavi, what is there not to like?

Fumé Blanc, Robert Mondavi's version of Sauvignon Blanc
Fumé Blanc, Robert Mondavi’s version of Sauvignon Blanc

We sampled Chardonnay sourced from the cool growing regions of the southern Napa Valley with its rich and complex taste; Pinot Noir, a bright and vivacious wine; the full body Merlot; the soft and silky Cabernet Sauvignon; and of course, the Fumé Blanc.

the good chefs at Le Meridien KL, and David Stephen
David Stephen and the good chefs at Le Meridien KL

As for food, there were the usual arrays of excellent pasta, tomato, cheese, pizza, bread, risotto, and of course, the best freshly made Belgium waffle ever.

Though my knowledge in wine is still amateur at best, I did learn a few things after this event, and would at least know which wine to choose from without being disappointed. 😀

map to Le Meridien

Address:
Favola
2 Jalan Stesen Sentral,
Kuala Lumpur 50470

GPS: 3.135631,101.686476
Tel: 03-2263 7888

Robert Mondavi Winemaker dinner at Favola
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20 thoughts on “Robert Mondavi Winemaker dinner at Favola

  • November 30, 2011 at 10:35 am
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    the cheese balls look like poached eggs for a second!

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    • November 30, 2011 at 10:39 am
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      Michelle: damn awesome cheese balls actually, and from non other than Langkawi! 😀

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    • November 30, 2011 at 11:50 am
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      Huai Bin: the waffles are best paired with butter & maple syrup 😛

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  • November 30, 2011 at 12:24 pm
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    vivacious, i love that word! it sounds like the perfect description for a bold & refreshing wine! now i’m hankering for some vivacious pinot noir too 😀

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    • November 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm
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      Sean: hahaha, I did not come up with that word tho. :S

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      • December 1, 2011 at 10:15 am
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        Oh my… You two are food oriented bloggers. Very interesting. Do you sometimes eat out together?

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        • December 1, 2011 at 1:21 pm
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          Rad Sujanto: surely. 😀

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    • November 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm
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      Tey Cindy: tenkius 😀

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  • November 30, 2011 at 3:13 pm
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    oh! u just made me remember that night! coolest food and wine evah!

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    • November 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm
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      ciki: ya, never a disappointment at Le Meridien 😀

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  • November 30, 2011 at 10:27 pm
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    Food and wine? Brilliant pairing indeed.

    After this session, can I buzz you for wine advise?

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    • December 1, 2011 at 8:41 am
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      missyblurkit: hahaha you can try buzzing me for wine advice, but that’s only as good as buzzing me up for diapers advice, I only know a few brands :X

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  • December 1, 2011 at 10:16 am
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    Oh! Love the drawing! :p

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    • December 1, 2011 at 1:21 pm
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      Rad Sujanto: thanks thanks 😉

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  • December 2, 2011 at 1:24 pm
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    wah if they serve you the bottle of Opus One which is a collaboration of Robert Mondavi and Baron Phillipe Rothschild then it would be a blast!

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    • December 2, 2011 at 2:57 pm
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      eiling: oOOo, the datin has spoken!

      Reply

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