THE French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France Philippines) virtually transported guests to the Palais des Festival et des Congres, where the Cannes Film Festival is staged for the grand Soirée Beaujolais for 2017.
With the theme, La vie sous les projecteurs or “life under the spotlight,” guests came as their favorite 1950s film stars, such as Marilyn Monroe, Bridget Bardot and Cary Grant gracing the red carpet of Cannes.
Members of the French community, expats, dignitaries and other VIPs enjoyed six different wines from Ferraud et Fils, including Grands Crus, such as Coteaux Bourguignons, Brouilly and Fleurie. Different kinds of cheeses were also served to perfectly accompany the wine, from goat to the strong and very tasteful Roquefort. Various kinds of charcuterie and French dishes also served as mouthwatering appetizers for the enjoyment of the guests.
For entertainment, the Matahari dancers with a French cabaret performance started the evening’s affair. Peninsula’s Powerhouse Band and Valkyrie’s resident DJ Mars Miranda kept the guests up on their feet all night.
CCI France Philippines Executive Director Vanessa Hans said, “This year’s Soiree Beaujolais was able to bring together over 1,200 guests from the business and social circles who enjoyed the best of French cuisine and culture. We hope to see you again next year as we celebrate…the 30th anniversary of [CCI France Philippines].”
Beaujolais Nouveau, a particular kind of wine from the Burgundy region of France, has to be consumed just a mere 15 days from bottling. The production of this type of wine started in the 16th century and grew in popularity in the 17th century.
It was only in the 1970s when winemaker and businessman Georges Duboeuf, a major producer of Beaujolais Nouveau, created a marketing hype and publicized the festivities that came with the new vintage wines.
Then in 1985 the third Thursday of November was decreed as the official day for the uncorking of the Beaujolais Nouveau. It is actually not allowed by law to open the Beaujolais Nouveau until such day.
It has become an annual event ever since, making the event a much-anticipated one for wine lovers. Thus, voila, we get to enjoy events, such as Soiree Beaujolais.