There is a global organisation whose members are devoted to preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table, and to promoting excellence in all areas of the hospitality arts — the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Some of its members have a special interest in wine as collectors, producers, and those learning more about wine or other crafted beverages. To accommodate those members, the Société Mondiale du Vin (“Mondiale”) was created to promote the enjoyment, knowledge and understanding of fine wines and crafted beverages. Here in Jamaica we have our very own chapter of both those organisations. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is the world’s oldest and largest gastronomic society, founded in Paris, France in 1248.

This past weekend, the local chapter of the Société Mondiale du Vin held its first event for 2012 at the residence of the French Ambassador to Jamaica Marc-Olivier Gendry. The concept of the event was simple: select wines from six of the major wine-producing regions of France and ask the French Ambassador’s chef Brian Lumley to whip up a few dishes to pair with each of the wines.

The Wines

In a traditional Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event, the food is the star; at a Société Mondiale du Vin event, the wines and spirits are the stars. Guests were greeted with a “French Kiss” — a Champagne cocktail created by Colin Hylton. The regions chosen were Champagne, Burgundy, Provence, Loire, Bordeaux and Rhone. The stars of this show were served in the following order: Champagne Ruinart Brut; Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé 2010, Burgundy; Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé 2010, Provence; Michel Redde — “Les Tuilières” Sancerre 2009, Loire; the highly sought after Château Haut-Surget Lalande-de-Pomerol 2009, Bordeaux, and the evening was closed with the E Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004, Rhone.

Here are highlights of the culinary Tour de France — Small Plates — Big Wines.

Chris Reckord — Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on https://twitter.com/DeVineWines.