Words: Louise Miller Photos: Monica Tindall
What shrieks luxury and indulgence louder than a glass of fine champagne? Well, if you put it in a sophisticated venue, such as the Grand Hyatt, multiply the glass a few times over and throw in some tasty canapés, you have my answer! Not one to turn my back on the opportunity to engage in such tasteful hedonism, I snapped up Monica’s invitation quicker than a skilful sommelier could uncork a bottle of the good stuff.
An independent and family owned Champagne House whose legacy dates back to 1734, Taittinger owns the second largest vineyard in Champagne, 4th century cellars listed as UNESCO world heritage and is recognised worldwide for its high and consistent quality. With awards of prestigious prizes and sales of over 6.2 million bottles a year, Taittinger’s place amongst the top six champagne brands worldwide, is clearly well deserved.
As if Taittinger and the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur had collaborated to arrange it so, the venue was cast in an appropriately golden sunset light as we entered. The twin towers glimmered through the expansive windows, the Sky Lobby bristled with the anticipation of its glamorous guests and statuesque hostesses in Champagne hued evening gowns began to proffer Taittinger’s Brut Réserve.
The golden yellow liquid is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier from 35 different vineyards. The high proportion of Chardonnay, unique in non-vintage champagne, coupled with a minimum ageing of three years in cellars makes this a delicately balanced champagne. Delivering aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla and honey, with a lively and fresh entry onto the palate, this would be an excellent partner to seafood, shellfish or fish and perfect for any special occasion.
As we savoured each sip, attentive Grand Hyatt staff presented tray upon tray of delicious canapés. Two of our stand out favourites were the super tasty succulent beef sliders and the shot glasses of gazpacho. But if we’d had to choose just one to pair with our Champagne all evening, it would have been the wonderful Gallagher oysters accompanied with the shallot spiked red wine vinegar.
After pausing for a warm welcome by Taittinger’s Asia Pacific Director, Nicolas Delion, our grazing resumed as did the flow of champagne, the Brut Réserve now segueing into Prestige Rosé.
We learn that Taittinger Prestige Rosé’s secret lies in the fact that it is a blend which is more complex and costly to produce. A quantity of still red wine (15%) produced from the best Pinot Noirs from Montagne de Reims and Les Riceys is in fact added to the final blend to give this cuvée its unmistakable colour and vibrant intensity on the palate. Taittinger’s signature high proportion of Chardonnay again completes the elegance and delicacy of the blend that epitomises its brand. Bright pink in colour with fruity aromas of raspberry, cherry and blackcurrant, the full bodied taste is beautifully balanced with its velvety texture. Taittinger recommend it as an apéritif or a subtle accompaniment to fruit desserts. I’d be happy drinking it with just about anything!
As the Prestige Rosé flowed, we mingled and savoured the Champagne and elegance of the evening. A truly memorable evening of high quality champagne enhanced by the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s superb hospitality.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
12 Jalan Pinang
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia 50450
+60 3-2182 1234
https://kualalumpur.grand.hyatt.com