Ploy recently hosted an exclusive food and wine pairing session where 50 diners were introduced to the unique flavour combinations of specially selected Stanley Estates wines from New Zealand paired with the restaurant’s finest modern Asian cuisine.
Stanley Estates owner, Steve Pellett regaled the audience with passionate tales of exploits, adventure and sustainable wine growing atop New Zealand’s South Island and beneath the cool gaze of Mount Tapuae-O-Uenuku “footprint of the rainbow” in Marlborough’s spectacular Awatere Valley as guests sipped the Estates’ award-winning Sauvignon Blanc 2012 which won Pure Silver in the Air New Zealand Wine Awards last year.
Boutique brand, Stanley Estates was established in 2003 when husband and wife team, Steve and Bridget Pellett moved from their hometown in Canterbury, UK to New Zealand’s famed Marlborough region to put down their roots. The brand produced its first batch of wine in 2009.
Awatere Valley’s sunny days and cool nights lend a distinctive taste of gooseberries and lush herbaceousness to the Estates’ sauvignon. Diners were invited to savour Ploy’s signature appetizer, Goat’s Cheese Puff with Wild Rocket & Truffle Oil with Stanley Estates’ Albarino 2012, which proved very popular in the recent Marlborough Wine and Food Festival.
Following that, guests were served a delectable dish of Spicy Angel Hair with Brazilian Corned Beef, Ploy’s own unique twist on the traditional Aglio Olio which went well with Stanley Estates Pinot Gris 2012 Vintage, a double award-winning wine made with 20% of the wine fermented using wild yeasts to give more structure, texture and flavour. The Pinot Gris won GOLD at the Marlborough Wine Show and 2011 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Diners then continued their gastronomic journey with Grilled Lemongrass infused Chicken with Onigiri Omelette Rice which was paired off with a charming glass of 2010 Pinot Noir aged in French oak and bursting with savoury black plum and cherry flavours.
The evening ended in style with a slice of Ploy’s Oreo Cheesecake atop which perched a miniature beige and brown half macaroon presented on a platter with coloured dots and an artistic swirl of chocolate. The delicious combination of crumbly chocolate base and fluffy cream cheese was devoured with a glass of sweet Pinot Gris.
Ploy has an extensive collection of Stanley Estate wines which complement the restaurant’s highly-rated signature dishes. Diners can choose from a range of pure, premium selection with which to enjoy their tailored dining experience.
For reservations or more information on Ploy’s wine list, call 03 2095 0999, email [email protected] or log on to www.ploywithyourfood.com / www.facebook.com/ploywithyourfood.