Tiếng ViệtDuring a recent business trip to Singapore, I had the privilege of attending a truly remarkable evening: the Côte-Rôtie & Condrieu Wine Dinner, beautiful wine from Rhône Valley at Nouri, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore, is celebrated for its boundary-crossing cuisine that harmonizes global flavors with artistic finesse. But this was far more than just a wine dinner— it was an immersive journey, where wine and gastronomy converged to tell stories steeped in history, culture, and passion.
Icons of the Rhône – Opposites in Harmony
Hailing from the northern Rhône Valley in France, Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu stand as two iconic expressions of terroir — both steeped in heritage, yet contrasting in character.
Côte-Rôtie, literally meaning “roasted slope” in French, is a bold, intricate red wine made predominantly from Syrah, often co-fermented with a touch of Viognier to lend elegance and aromatic lift. Deep in color and complex on the nose, it brims with dark fruit, black pepper, and a subtle smokiness drawn from its schist-laden soils.
In contrast, Condrieu is a white wine composed entirely of Viognier, known for its perfumed bouquet of white blossoms and ripe stone fruit. On the palate, it is rich, voluptuous, and seductive — a delicate, feminine counterpoint to the masculine strength of Côte-Rôtie.
The evening was, in essence, a symphony of opposites — a celebration of contrast that found balance through conversation, both literal and sensory.
A Dialogue Between Wine and Cuisine
Unlike the traditional wine dinner format, the night’s menu featured eight courses, each paired with two different wines. The intention wasn’t simply to pair food and wine, but to explore: How does each wine interact with the dish? What nuances emerge? Which emotions are evoked?
Following each pour, the winemaker would share the backstory behind the bottle — the grape, the terroir, the people, and the personal journey behind its creation. Then, the chef would take the floor to reveal his own narrative — why she chose certain ingredients, the inspiration behind each plate, and the risks he embraced during its conception.
This layered dialogue — between wine and food, between creator and creator — turned the evening into something far greater than indulgence. It became a window into passion, precision, and the art of storytelling through flavor.
Where the Kitchen Becomes Theatre
Beyond concept or philosophy, or types of cuisines, Nouri is a place that celebrates people, in all our differences and similarities. A restaurant that nourishes not just body and mind, but the liminal bond between the “you” and the “I”.
One of my favorite aspects of dining at Nouri is its open kitchen — a stage where culinary discipline and artistic expression unfold before your eyes. I watched the chefs move with absolute focus, each knife stroke and drizzle of sauce executed with quiet confidence.
Familiar ingredients like green peas, corn, and peanuts were elevated in ways I’d never imagined — inventive, beautiful, and far beyond expectation. If I could describe Nouri’s chef in three words, they would be: creative, bold, and exceptional.
Stories behind wines
Among the many stories that evening, one lingered long after the last sip. It belonged to Graeme and Julie — a young family winery which started from scratch. The owner and winemaker, a New Zealander, met his wife in the Rhône Valley, and together they built a dream rooted in resilience. With humility and fierce dedication, they crafted wines that went on to win accolades in the “Winemakers & Terroirs” of the Future competition, which honors promising new talents.
But what moved me most wasn’t the award. It was the look in his eyes as he spoke — the gaze of someone who dared to believe in the impossible, and made it real. It resonated deeply with me and my own journey.
This wine dinner was more than a wine event — it was a symphony of taste, texture, and storytelling. My sincere thanks to Terroir & Spice, the brilliant winemakers and ambassadors from Rhone, and the entire team at Nouri, who came together to create an unforgettable night.
Phuong Maxy Storyteller
