Wine time this September

The last quarter of the year is a fine time to indulge in wines of all kinds. Discover your usual favourites or venture out of your comfort zone to try the following.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse is back with a fresh wine pairing menu, after the success of 2019’s The California Menu. This year, The Italian pairing menu ($280) brings Italian producers together for a memorable match with the steakhouse’s signatures. Steak and wine aficionados will love geeking out over the different permutations of cuts and wines in this pairing, which is available for both lunch and dinner.

Fine de Claire oysters open the appetite, paired with Is Argiolas Vermentino 2018, a pairing that works by playing off the oysters’ creaminess against the aromatic and vivid Vermentino. The wine is also refreshing if you choose the steak fries or creamed spinach from the choice of sides from the main course (choose 2 from 4 options of sides).

The three 120g-sized cuts for the main course are each paired with a different wine to highlight different characteristics. USDA Prime Sirloin is recommended for the Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2014, as the medium-lean sirloin balances the fruit of this older Sangiovese. The USDA Prime Ribeye, which has more marbling, requires the richer, spicier Il Carbonaione 2012, which proves the most harmonious pairing of the three. Nebbiolo makes an appearance in the last pairing of USDA Prime Tenderloin with Gianni Gagliardo Barolo 2014. This less tannic and also mild in acidity Barolo is softer, to pair with lean tenderloin. The repast ends with a light Moscato Villa M Bianco MV, which gently accompanies the standout New York Style Cheesecake, one of the richest in town. The menu runs until further notice. #02-01 InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, 1 Nanson Road. Tel: 6887 5885

The Penfolds 2020 Collection has just been launched, and this year marks the 60^th anniversary of its classic Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, which was first released in 1960. This enduring icon of South Australian fruit is also known as Baby Grange, and shares some of its famous sibling’s ripe chocolate and oak flavours from being matured in barrels that previously held Grange. This year’s 2018 release is a ‘black forest cake’ pleaser with baking spices and ample black fruit character, and can drink now or keep.

The good news is that you can bring-your-own Penfolds and drink it corkage free (usual fee: $50) when you dine in at Skai, Mikuni, Prego or Anti:dote at Fairmont Singapore, for the whole month of September. The offer is valid for one bottle per reservation made here.

On top of that, if you purchase Penfolds Bin 798 RWT ($196) or Yattarna Chardonnay 2017 ($196) on iShopChangi, you can redeem a complimentary single box of mooncakes from Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, while stocks last.

RVLT is celebrating its third anniversary at Carpenter Street by giving back. For the month of September, they are pledging $5 from every bottle of wine sold to =DREAMS, which supports underprivileged youths. The pledge is part of #savefnbsg’s nationwide dining campaign Hi5SG. A bonus for F&B folk: every Monday for the rest of this month (14, 21 and 28 Sep), they are treating F&B professionals to their first drink, on the house.

And finally, it’s no secret that the food is as compelling as the wines. Here’s a chance to try the third anniversary Chef’s Tasting Menu ($48) that’s happening on 22 and 23 Sept only. With limited seating due to current restrictions, it’s best to book early for this tasting of six of their new dishes which have been launched this month. 38 Carpenter Street. Tel: 6909 5709