Optimism

I'm not sure where the boundary between optimism and reality lies but I'm always filled with the former until proved mistaken!

A Chilean Wine Tasting lunch hosted by the guest wine lecturer on board, Daniel Soto was, for us, something to look forward to. Our Trivia friends joined us at a table so filled with glasses, there was room for little else.

The menu was so tempting, the wines interesting and impressive too. Daniel had mentioned some of them in his earlier presentation and we were glad to have a chance to taste what he considers to be some of the best that Chile has to offer.

The first two courses were enjoyed before I had remembered to take a photo! Unlike our earlier experience from a similar wine lunch when we had a table for two, on this occasion we had company and as the conversation flowed as easily as the wine, my camera remained in my bag. However, when the salmon confit was served with a red wine and Daniel stood up to explain his choice, I reached for my camera at last and a photo was taken ;-)

We enjoyed the pairing of the blended red wine with the confit salmon very much indeed and Head Sommelier I Nyoman was glad to bring the bottle around again.

A glance at our menu reassured us that we were just half way through and the star of the show, wine #5, the Don Melchor was about to be served. We'd learned from Daniel previously that this wine has been voted the best red wine in the world and he was as delighted to announce that it was on our menu today as we were to have the opportunity to taste it!

What to say apart from “delicious”? Or have I used that word too many times already?

Suddenly, what appears to be a cherry bathed in a red sauce appears, though it's actually the cheese course; two pieces of manchego cheese with grape chutney and a sliver of fennel crisp. Plus, another glass of red wine of course.