The Jamaica Chapter of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs hosted, November 8-11, a combined Caribbean/Atlantic Islands and Southeast US Regions Chapitre (meeting) in Ocho Rios. This regional gathering was supported by local members, members from other Caribbean islands, the US and Europe. The four-day culinary extravaganza included a movie-themed welcome at Jamaica Inn, a Sunset Beach Party and Dinner at Couples Sans Souci Resort, an Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, a Grand Brunch at Konoko Falls, a Stush in the Bush Farm to Table experience and a fine wine infused luncheon at Arosa.

AROSA: Chef Robert’s Rollicking Luncheon held on Saturday, November 10 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

“When Taste Matters” is not only Arosa’s tagline but the mantra by which Managing Director, Commandeur (member over 20 years), Chef Rôtisseur Robert Hoehener lives by. The bus arrived promptly at 11:00 am and the debonair Hoehener was on hand to serve guests cold glasses of the elegant, aromatic Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or which perfectly hit the spot on the warm afternoon.

A quick glance at the bar and one quickly realised that you were not only here to enjoy lunch that featured his locally produced range of sausages and charcuterie. While Arosa imports and sells mainly European wines to their clientele, on display were some amazing wines that he selected from his private cellar for the guests, capped at 25, to enjoy. In addition to copious amounts of Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or, here is what we had:

Cuvée Blanc Madame Rosmarie Mathier 2016, AOC Valais, Switzerland:

This white wine was brilliant straw yellow. It impresses with its beautiful freshness, is aromatic on the nose with aromas of exotic fruits for which the grape Petite Arvine is responsible. The Pinot Blanc gives it a touch of exotic fruit. The Pinot Gris gives the excellent wine its fullness and the light remaining sweetness, while the Sylvaner gives it the longevity.

Chateau De Fesles Chenin Sec Vieilles Vignes “La Chapelle” 2016, Loire, France

I found this white wine to be a very pleasant Chenin Blanc. It was dry, fresh and paired very well with the German bratwursts. Chateau de Fesles is one of the oldest and most famous properties in the Loire region. Situated at the heart of the Coteaux de Layon, this family-owned property enjoys an international reputation.

Louis Latour Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2004, Burgundy, France

This highly acclaimed Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru was a very special treat for wine lovers who truly appreciate fine wine.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Wonderfully golden in colour, this wine has a magnificent nose of fresh almonds with a hint of aniseed or liquorice. On the palate, the wines balance, roundness and power is overwhelming with notes of almonds and grilled fennel once again coming to the fore. The length and balance of this wine reveal why this is a Grand Cru!

Balgach Cuvée 2015 “Rhine Valley”, Switzerland

At first glance, I thought it was a German wine until our host reminded me that Switzerland also has a Rhine Valley too. This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir & Cabernet Dorsa; the colour is brilliant ruby red. On the nose were spicy, dark berry aromas and toasted notes. On the palate a medium but elegant body with well-integrated acidity and fine tannins. Tastes of dark berries and dried fruits, harmonious wood notes integrated. Strong, persistent finish.

Pièce de résistance — Château Lynch-Bages 2003, Pauillac, France

One of the finest wines in the world, Château Lynch Bages, a fifth Growth Cru Classé, is one of the best-known Médoc estates in the Bordeaux region. The technical notes for this 2003 wine stated that: “With only eight vintages during the 20th century experiencing such an extended period of extreme temperatures, France has never seen a vintage culminate with such an outrageously fierce August heat. Yet Bordeaux seems to have survived better than elsewhere in France. Thankfully, some good rainfall in July kept the wines evolving, and general consensus places the largest concentration of outstanding wines in the northern Médoc, especially Pauillac and St-Estèphe.”

The Lynch-Bages 2003 we enjoyed was medium ruby in colour, with a pronounced aroma of roast warm cassis and black cherry, leather. On tasting it was medium-full-bodied with a soft, plump opening. It is very smooth in the mouth with subtle meaty notes. I heard folks offering a wide range of descriptions for this amazing wine saying it was opulent, seductive, rich, powerful, elegant and engaging, exhibiting superbly ripe fruit.

An amazing wine experience was had by all who attended Chef Robert’s Rollicking Luncheon. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950. It is devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table.

Christopher Reckord — Wine Enthusiast and CEO of Managed IT services provider tTech Limited. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram @chrisreckord and on Twitter: @Reckord