ボルドー最高評議会
the Grand conseil du vin de bordeaux
CommanderIES, wine brotherhoods

Maître Colin Smith

An Evening at the Opera – Die Fledermaus

The 18^th December 1876 saw the UK premiere of Johan Strauss Jr Die Fledermaus at London’s Alhambra Theatre. On Thursday 15^th December 2022, one hundred and thirty-six years later members, partners and guests of La Commanderie de Bordeaux a Manchester gathered at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, to attend this rip-roaring comedy filled with deceit, betrayal, and champagne. Lots of champagne.

I can confirm that to the best of my knowledge I was not aware of any deceit or betrayal between any of the Commanderie party, but I can confirm that there was quite a lot of Champagne.

The evening commenced with a Champagne Reception held in the Carole Nash Suite. The champagne on offer was not one that many of the attendees had previously experienced or heard of. However, produced by a small family champagne house the Gyéjacquot Brut was very well received indeed. Using a high proportion of Pinot Noir, aged two years on its lees and enriched with Reserve wine the champagne produced by brothers Cyril and Frédéric Gyéjacquot was creamy, rich and complex. A champagne well worth looking out for.

On sitting down for the start of the three-course dinner, prepared by the RNCM, Les Deux Sœurs, NV 18. 19. 20, A.O.C.Bordeaux was served to accompany a ‘Trio of Salmon’. The poached, smoked and salmon terrine served with green bean and saffron potato salad with a lemon and chervil dressing was excellent, not only looking delicious when served but tasting as good as it looked. But better than the salmon the Les Deux Sœurs was wonderful - a blend of wines selected from 2018, 2019 and 2020 based on Sauvingnon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. This rich, lush but complex white wine was enjoyed by all in attendance and would, I am sure, made the short list of many members for future purchase. An excellent wine.

To accompany the main course of rolled Loin of Pork stuffed with Bury black pudding served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes with a whiskey coarse grain cream sauce, Château Charmail, 2014, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, A.O.C. Haut-Medoc was served. With a cepage of 38% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot the wine was once again well received, as was the Loin of Pork. The wine showed notes of berry fruit both on the nose and the palate with some saying that they could taste a hint of coffee!

Following the main course, it was time for Act 1 of Die Fledermaus set on New Year’s Eve and sets the scene with various flirting, the assault of a police officer and the charming of ladies by the infamous ‘pocket-watch’.

A desert of Fruitti Di Bosco Pastry case filled with patisserie cream topped with sponge and forest fruits was presented during the first interval. This very attractive looking dish was very light and was a perfect accompaniment to the Castelnau de Suduiraut, 2016, A.O.C. Sauternes. Once again, this sweet white wine of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc was very well received and enjoyed by all.

On to Act 2 – the ball. Here drinking and dancing take place and as a result of further flirting new romances formed to bring in the New Year. However, the New Year doesn’t start off well for everyone as Eisenstein is not only unable to retrieve the lost infamous pocket-watch, but also has to rush off to commence his jail sentence.

For the final interval of a truly excellent show with superb acting, singing and music, Coffee and Tea was served back in the Carole Nash Suite with much discussion ongoing as to how the main characters of the performance would fair. Prior to returning to the theatre for the final act our friends at the RNCM, particularly those in the ‘front of house’ were thanked and congratulated for contributing to a fantastic meal and overall great evening.

As the final Act began there was anticipation in the theatre as the twists and turns of the various relationships and romances worked themselves out. The grand finale of the opera ended in the same vein as the Commanderie evening had begun – with glasses of champagne and revelry.

I can confirm that an excellent evening was had by all. Not only were we treated to a great operatic performance by the RNCM but by a superb performance by the accompanying orchestra. There were some wonderful performances by those on the stage, but I am afraid that I have to award the ‘Star of the Show’ to our Vinothècaire for providing some wonderful wines – particularly the champagne and the dry white wine.