SOMMELIER SELECTION

Founded in 2002 by Jerome Philippon, Sommelier Selection offers artisanal wines from boutique estates in Europe (France, Italy, Spain and Portugal) with a preference for products issued from clean agriculture, and wines produced to promote authenticity. G/F Building 3, Jannov Plaza, Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, (02) 840-4211, (0917) 885-1079

Mica Vinho Verde, Portugal

This elegant white features intense citric and green apple notes. Certified organic by ECOCERT, it has vibrant fresh fruit flavors and exceptional lightness. P1,075

Telmo Rodriguez Corriente 2015, Spain

This Rioja red is one of Telmo Rodriguez’s more accessible wines. While “corriente” in Spanish means common or ordinary, this Tempranillo/Garnacha/Graciano blend is anything but. It works as a very good, friendly red with medium intensity, that’s slightly spicy yet fruity. P1,345

Envinate T. Amarela 2016, Spain

This lovely red wine expresses the characteristics of the Tinta Amarela grape (known in nearby Portugal as Trincadeira). From the Parcela Valdemedel vineyards, this wine carries the aromas of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, licorice, and black pepper, with a silky texture and lengthy finish. P1,860

MR Mountain 2012, Spain

With flavors of honey and brown sugar, this Muscat wine from Malaga, Andalusia in Spain is an interesting dessert wine from Spanish rebel winemaker Telmo Rodriguez. P2,125

HAPPY LIVING WINES

Established in 1994 by a family of wine lovers, Happy Living initially brought quality California wines to the developing Philippine wine market. In 2016, it embarked on a new journey by expanding its team, drinks portfolio, and business facility. To coincide with its business expansion, it recently introduced a curated selection of Old World labels to the market. The Tasting Room, La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, www.happylivingph.com

Lionel Osmin Villa La Vie en Rose Négrette 2017, France

This bewitching pale rosé with its aromas of fresh red berries and fruit drops will make you see the world through rose-tinted glasses as the French sing in that iconic song, “La Vie en Rose.” P550

Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc 2017, USA

From California’s Sonoma Valley, this most delicious crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers aromas and flavors of pink grapefruit, pineapple, lemongrass, lychee, kiwi, honeydew, orange blossom, guava, white peach, and lemon-lime. Its subtle oak character from neutral French oak barrels adds body and depth. P1,100

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2014, USA

Insignia is one of the world’s most iconic wines, with Robert Parker awarding four of its past vintages a perfect 100 points. This elegant medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon blend boasts structured tannins and a long finish. The 2014 vintage boasts 97+ points by Robert Parker. P16,000

TERRY'S SELECTION

Established by Juan Carlos de Terry 19 years ago, Terry’s Gourmet Store continues to offer the finest food and wines curated by Señor de Terry himself, with a special focus, but not limited to, Spanish food and wines. Branches in Pasong Tamo Extension, Salcedo Village Makati, The Podium Ortigas, (02) 729-7906, (0905) 303-3211, terryselection.com

Sileni Sauvignon Blanc 2017, New Zealand

This beautifully balanced Sauv Blanc gives off aromas of tropical fruit and flavors of grapefruit and gooseberry. With its long flavorful finish, it pairs well with grilled fish and young cheeses. P905

Vega Sicilia Oremus “Mandolas” Tokaji 2015, Hungary

From legendary Spanish winemaker Vega Sicilia, the Mandolas is the first dry wine produced in the region of Tokaj in Hungary. This straw-colored white is named after the old way of referring to its vineyard, planted only with Furmint, the noblest grape variety of the region. P1,525

Alvaro Palacios Les Terrasses 2014, Spain

A blend of 60% Garnacha and 40% Cariñena, this red is full of character, with a lively palate and tannins, carrying the unmistakable signature of the Cariñena grape and the rusticity of the Piorat region. P2,360

Vega Sicilia Tinto Valbuena 5 2007, Spain

Produced in the Ribera del Duero region by Vega Sicilia, this serious yet elegant red has a barrel-to-bottle ageing process that lasts five years, hence its name. P11,085

Styling by Butchie Peña

Photographs by Berwin Coroza

Shot on location at Wildflour Café + Bakery, Bonifacio Global City