AsiaLIFE

Cambodia provides a diverse wine selection capable of satisfying and surprising even the most experienced of oenophiles, but the world of wine can seem a complex and intimidating place. Words by Lou Hayward.

Even if you can’t tell a Malbec from a Merlot or a Sauvignon from a Shiraz, by following a few key pointers from some of Phnom Penh’s most knowledgeable experts, buying and storing wine properly need not be a daunting prospect.

It pays to be aware of the long and arduous journeys many bottles of wine have undergone in order to get to Cambodia. By visiting a reputable and trustworthy supplier, you can take comfort in the fact that your wine has been stored at the correct temperature at all stages of transportation.

Unless you have something very specific in mind, it’s a good idea to go to someone who can help you with your decision. As Darren Gall, director of AK Wines, points out, the role of the wine seller is to “help the consumer to make an informed choice.”

If price is an important factor, it’s definitely worth checking out the selection available in supermarkets such as Pencil and Lucky. As these stores tend to buy in bulk, they can offer very competitive prices.

Wine evenings and tasting events are commonplace in Phnom Penh and provide would-be purchasers with a chance to try before they buy, and to ask for advice and information.

Many purists recommend only ever pairing certain wines with certain foods, though this is very much a matter of personal taste. “The general rule,” says Frank Sampéré co-owner of The Wine Restaurant “is to start with youngest and most light bodied wines and finish with the oldest and most full bodied.”

To get the maximum satisfaction from your wine, you need to ensure that you store it properly.

“The key thing, for both red and white wines is to keep them at a constant temperature,” says Frank. Darren recommends a constant temperature of between 16 and 18°C and, relative humidity of about 70 percent.

You should also store bottles horizontally in such a way that the wine is constantly in contact with the cork. This prevents the cork from drying out and expanding or contracting, which can lead to oxidation and premature aging. This will ultimately spoil the wine. Also, keep your wine out of direct sunlight, which, as Darren describes, is “the enemy of wine”.

Given the weather in Phnom Penh, especially at this time of year, it can be difficult to recreate the perfect storage conditions. However, simply bunging your bottles in a normal fridge is not enough in the long term.

“The fridge is actually a very dry environment,” explains Darren. “Leave wine in there for too long and the cork will dry out”. Frank agrees advising that wine should be kept in a normal fridge for no more than two weeks.

Given that most of us can’t afford to have a proper cellar installed, one solution that both Darren and Frank recommend is to invest in a refrigerated wine cooler – you can find a selection at Sorya Market. Look for a cabinet with a high quality motor that doesn’t buzz and vibrate too much as this will affect the wine.

When it is time to serve your wine be sure to warm or chill it gradually. Above all else enjoy every moment of drinking it.

If you are looking for quality wine, it’s best to contact the experts. There are four quality wine merchants in Phnom Penh.

AK Wines, 125 (15z) Street 105, Phnom Penh, Tel: 023 214 478

Quarto Products, 30-31, Street 108,Tel: 023 221 772

Red Apron (Celliers d’Asie), 15-17 Street 240, Tel: 023 990 951

The Wine Restaurant (Open Wine), 219 Street 19, Tel: 023 223 527