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Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, in collaboration with American Express, successfully hosted a sophisticated and deeply engaging installment of its Wine Tasting Series, titled “Parallel 40° — The Grenache Belt: A Journey Through the World’s Grenaches.” Held on the evenings of Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15, the event transformed the elegant and atmospheric La Piazzetta restaurant into a geographical and oenological expedition.
The series focused on the privileged 40th parallel, the latitude that cradles the world’s most distinguished Grenache-growing regions, where both red and white expressions of the grape achieve their maximum complexity.
Attendees had the privilege of being guided through the tasting by certified sommelier Eduardo García. Mr. García conducted a meticulously curated program featuring eight labels that paid homage to the grape’s versatility. The journey began with the vibrant rosé of Château Peyrassol from Côtes de Provence and extended to the intense Australian profile of Brave Faces GSM from Barossa Valley.
The itinerary also included renowned “jewels” such as the innovative Querencia Orange from Aragón, the elegance of Dido Blanc (Monsant), the prestige of M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Blanc (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), and the potent Mediterranean expression of Senes Riserva, Cannonau from Sardinia. The event offered a unique opportunity for guests to compare and contrast Grenache from Navarra, Priorat, the Rhône Valley, and the New World.
Sommelier García was widely praised for his engaging and attentive approach. He personally visited each table to explain the characteristics of the wines, ensuring every guest felt comfortable and informed throughout the evening.
Culinary Excellence Elevated the Experience
Complementing the world-class wines was an exclusive menu designed by Casa de Campo’s new Culinary Director, Chef Osamu Deai, in collaboration with chefs Juan Peña and Carlos Mardones. Each course was crafted for the perfect pairing, underscoring the structure and aromatic nuances of the featured wines.
The tasting menu included sophisticated dishes such as the Provençal Crudo—a delicate composition of Scallops and Snapper with a Shrimp Tartare—and the Slightly Cooked Egg Velouté with Iberian Ham dust and Truffle foam. Main courses included a Matured Yellowfin Tuna Chop with Marmitako Sauce and an Oxtail Osobuco served with Creamy Parsnip and Black Garlic Demiglace. The meal concluded with the delightful Lavender Memories dessert.
The Perfect Setting
The atmosphere in La Piazzetta contributed significantly to the event’s success. The restaurant’s warm and inviting ambiance made it a perfectly intimate space.
It is noteworthy that this elegant venue recently garnered international recognition, having been awarded the prestigious title of “Dominican Republic’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2025” at the World Culinary Awards, further solidifying its status as a top-tier destination for luxury gastronomy.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas invites all guests and followers to stay tuned for upcoming announcements, as details for the last tasting of the year, which will take place in December, will soon be released, promising to close the cycle in grand fashion.
