| Summer is not just about heat and chilling down | | | | |
| when it comes to wine selection. It has a lot to | | | | Then finally but certainly not least, is the |
| do also with the kind of cuisine that exploits the | | | | quintessential addition to the summer wine list |
| ingredients that come into season between | | | | – a Pinot Noir, what else. The Cono Sur Pinot |
| February and June each year. Serving now in all | | | | Noir weighs in as the best value for money of all |
| fine-dining restaurants in the Philippines are | | | | the wines screened for this summer at Yats |
| lobsters, oysters, Barracuda and Mackerel. Some | | | | Wine Cellars. This is a versatile wine that brings |
| of these call for a crisp dry racy white wine, so | | | | not only light gamey red meat into the picture but |
| top of the list from Yats Wine Cellars for a | | | | also fish like salmon or fish with tomato-based |
| summer wine is this 2000 Chablis from Lamblin et | | | | sauce. |
| Fils. | | | | Yats Wine Cellars started off in Clark Freeport, |
| Great contender for the top spot especially for | | | | Pampanga, an easy 90-minute drive along the |
| those who have a soft spot for the bubblies, is | | | | North Expressway from Metro Manila. Category |
| this crowd-pleaser, a Rose Sec from the Loire | | | | one wines can be found in the cellars of the |
| Valley. Creamy, soft, easy to go down and | | | | fine-dining YATS Restaurant and Wine Lounge |
| absolutely delightful to drink alone or for a variety | | | | situated inside Clark's Mimosa Leisure Estate, just |
| of summer food, including not only seafood but | | | | before the Casino. Yats operates the Clark Wine |
| also white meat and cold cuts with salads. | | | | Center – an independent two-storey building |
| | | | | located on the main road of Clark Freeport. |
| | | | | Public wine tastings are held from time to time |
| White wine and sparkling do not satisfy wine | | | | in Clark and sometimes in Manila. Tickets range |
| lovers for the whole summer. Red wines have | | | | from p500 to p1500 for these themed events |
| to come into the equation also. Lucky for Manila | | | | that are professionally run –no wine |
| and Clark wine enthusiasts, the fabulous – | | | | merchants sponsorship, pushy salesmen or tacky |
| perfect even – 2005 vintage is slowly coming | | | | banners to ruin the evening. Each ticket contains |
| into drinkable state. Recommended for | | | | a certain number of stubs that can be redeemed |
| enjoyment this summer in Philippines is this 2005 | | | | for a tasting pour of a wine among those on a |
| red wine from Cotes de Castillon, a Bordeaux | | | | line-up which often contains wines that are quite |
| Right Bank region neighboring St. Emilion and | | | | old and expensive. This makes YATS Wine |
| Pomerol. The Chateau Hyot is a rich, mellow and | | | | Tasting events the most cost-effective venue to |
| well-balanced red wine that will give pleasure for | | | | explore new options and expand our knowledge |
| the next 10 to 15 years, possibly more. Red | | | | of wine through first-hand encounters. |
| meat, outdoor grilling and even a nice summer | | | | |
| evening wine with dinner. | | | | Wine Seminars have been conducted in the past |
| | | | | and may be offered from time to time. These |
| Taking the afternoon off to read a book under | | | | seminars deal with intermediate to advanced |
| the shades of an Acacia tree in Clark Philippines, | | | | subject matters that are aimed at providing |
| next to a lake perhaps? Sauvignon Blanc is | | | | useful and practical knowledge for the wine |
| unbeatable when it comes to this kind of | | | | enthusiasts. Topics are focused and treatment, |
| settings. This Sauvignon Blanc from Yats Wine | | | | in depth. Most seminars include a guided tasting |
| Cellars came from Argentina which is giving New | | | | session after the lecture. |
| Zealand a run for its money. Argentina as we | | | | Wine-paired dinners are organized either at Y A T |
| all know, is famous for its Malbec but this is not a | | | | S Restaurant in Clark or in collaboration with other |
| one-trick-pony. Sauvignon Blanc grown in high | | | | restaurants and organizers. Private wine |
| altitude vineyards near the ocean seems to | | | | dinners can also be organized for groups of 14 or |
| possess the same appeal. With this in the cellar, | | | | more. Even Asian cuisines can be a part of a |
| we bring pork and veal into the summer menu. | | | | Yats Wine-paired dinner. |