Lisboa Food & Wines Group Sommelier Henry Chang explains how his team built their award-winning wine program at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon.
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With entries now open for the 2024 World’s Best Wine Lists awards, we asked some of the 2023 winners about their approach to building an award-winning list. This week, Lisboa Food & Wine Group Sommelier Henry Chang gives the lowdown on the approach to putting together the Best Short Wine List in Asia at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon at the IFC Mall,
What does Winning a WBWL award mean to you and the team at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon?
Winning such a globally recognized award holds significant meaning for us. Each year, the competition is fierce, making it an even greater honor to be acknowledged by esteemed professional judges. This recognition serves as a vital source of encouragement for our company, restaurant, and sommelier team.
What are you trying to achieve with your list?
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In crafting our concise wine list, our utmost goal is to meticulously select each wine with utmost care, offering our clients a comprehensive range of refined options that harmonize flawlessly with our culinary offerings. Additionally, we actively seek out wines from diverse regions across the globe, aiming to curate a selection that showcases the best of different countries for the enjoyment of all our guests.
What do you feel is the biggest strength of the Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon list?
The greatest strength of our wine list lies in its remarkable diversity. It encompasses a wide array of regions and wine styles, embracing a collection of old vintage wines that add depth and character. Furthermore, we have taken great care to ensure our pricing is reasonable, making our list accessible and appealing to a broad spectrum of wine enthusiasts.
Name three wines on the list at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon that you feel best represent what you’re trying to do.
Dom Pérignon of various vintages: This iconic Champagne carries the title of the King of Champagne and is a perfect pairing for seafood in French cuisine, showcasing the epitome of elegance and refinement.
Bordeaux of various vintages and regions: Bordeaux wines provide guests a myriad of flavor profiles and styles, taking them on an exploration of the diverse world of wine and reflects our dedication in presenting the best Bordeaux has to offer.
German Riesling Auslese, BA and TBA: These German Rieslings have turned into an increasingly admired choice for post-dinner indulgence by our guests. The distinctive sweetness along with the intricate nature makes them a flawless choice resonating with the dynamic palates of our clients.
What wine and food pairing from our menu at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon do you prefer the most?
Among my preferred wine and food pairing is the Domaine Marquis d’Angerville Clos des Ducs Volnay Premier Cru 2009, coupled with one of our signature dishes: Crispy duck confit with fresh figs, cabbage, and mashed potato. This Burgundy Pinot is refined, lean, offering subtle hints of strawberries and raspberries along with a smooth texture. The red fruit notes, light tannins, and earthy aromas of the wine enhance the bold and smoky tones of the duck confit. The richness and saltiness of the duck fat excellently offset the tannin and acidity of the wine, resulting in a well-balanced pairing.
Apart from the list, what details can you share about the wine program at Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon?
Beyond our outstanding wine list, we take immense pride in our extensive wine program. This includes relentless focus on cultivating the skills and knowledge of our sommelier team. Our committed team members undertake thorough training to expand their understanding and prowess in the wine realm. Their passion is visible in the way they assist guests in wine selection, offering advice best suited to their food preference.
We also arrange many wine dinners at our different restaurants all through the year. This offers our guests extraordinary opportunities to appreciate and discover the craft of wine pairing. These occasions permit us to exhibit the adaptability of our wines and assist in making unforgettable dining experiences.
Through a blend of our unmatched wine list, thoughtfully prepared wine events, and an experienced team of sommeliers, we aim to provide a unparalleled wine experience for our esteemed patrons.