From left: World famous wine critic and CEO of JamesSuckling.com James Suckling and SC Capital Partners, the owning company of THE NAI HARN, Chairman Suchad Chiaranussati.
The three world's best rosé wines available in Thailand all come from France with Thailand's Siam Winery Monsoon Valley White Shriaz Premium Hua Hin Hills Vineyards coming in the top 10 out of a total of 53 bottled blind-tasted by the famed wine guru.
PHUKET, THAILAND: Phuket's first name in luxury, recently relaunched resort THE NAI HARN, and esteemed international wine critic James Suckling have put on their rosé-tinted glasses to launch the inaugural 'Best Rosé for Thailand'.
It is the Kingdom's first wine competition to focus on premier rosés, with Thailand-based importers scouring the vineyards of France, Italy, Chile, Spain and Australia as well as unearthing some rare home-grown drops to bring oenophiles some of the world's best pinks.
Mr Suckling, a Hong Kong-based American who is one of the world's foremost wine experts, blind-tasted and scored each entry, with the top 10 winners included in THE NAI HARN's exclusive and extensive Cellar by JamesSuckling.com' wine selections. His website, JamesSuckling.com, attracts about 50,000 unique visitors a month
"This is the first rosé tasting I have ever done and I'm delighted to do it in Thailand," said James Suckling. "Rosés should be drunk in hot climates and with great fresh food. They are perfect to be drunk in beach areas where they are incredibly popular around the world in locations such as Sardinia, Mykonos and St Tropez. So we thought where better to launch this competition that at THE NAI HARN in Phuket.
The three winning rosé wines were all from France: Chateau d'Esclans Garrus Côtes de Provence Rosé (Gold); Domaines Ott Clos Mireille Côtes de Provence Rosé (Silver) and Chateau Miraval Reserve Côtes de Provence Rosé (Bronze).
Mr Suckling added that he was pleased to see the rise of Thai wine too do so well against such stiff international competition. "These are the best rosés in the world and Thailand made the top 10," said Mr Suckling. "I think that is incredible and testament to a very precise German winemaker in residence at the winery. Monsoon Valley is making the most exciting wines in Asia and it is impressive."
THE NAI HARN is owned by SC Capital Partners, the Singapore-based private equity investment firm of Thai financier Suchad Chiaranussati. He added he was very pleased to work with James Suckling in developing a high end experience for guests and applauded Monsoon Valley for its stunning achievement.
THE NAI HARN General Manager, Frank Grassmann added that rosés were the perfect tropical brunch or lunch tipple and he expected Mr Suckling's selections to be very popular with guests at the resort.
"Our partnership with James is a great example of how THE NAI HARN is committed to innovation in luxury and distinguishing ourselves by seeking partnerships with brands that share our values and our insistence on authenticity and quality," Mr Grassmann said. "We're delighted to have James return for this special event. He has excelled himself with his 'Cellar by JamesSuckling.com' selections and guests will enjoy the benefits of his unerring nose for value and the best drops."
Mr Suckling isn't the resort's only authority on imbibers' pleasures. Mr Grassmann said guests could also peruse a cocktail list compiled exclusively by The Savoy of Londons former and famous head bartender, Salim Khoury.
THE NAI HARN recently reopened after an extensive and transformative 18-month remodelling program. It promises guests wining and dining of the highest quality from its lofty perch on a spectacular hillside atop the white sands of pristine Nai Harn beach, voted Thailand's best by TripAdvisor users.
Nestled in a stunning secluded bay devoid of large crowds and with sweeping Andaman Sea vistas, THE NAI HARN's world-class culinary team creates extraordinary gastronomic statements that have been expertly paired with Mr Suckling's wine selections.
Culinary Director Kevin Jean Fawkes rules the kitchen a heavy hitter who has worked with culinary titans including Sir Terence Conran, Gordon Ramsay, Jason Atherton, Albert Roux and René Redzepi, the co-founder of Copenhagen's Noma, multiple world's best restaurant winner.
At Rock Salt, Chef Fawkes oversees dishes showcasing the best of Asia Pacific in one of the island's most memorable locations, where glorious sunsets are savoured with the freshest seaside classics, innovative tapas and much more. The dinner menus have been founded on the highest Eastern Mediterranean and North African culinary traditions with a dash of Thai influence, and are enjoyed in a relaxed al fresco setting. The lunch menus feature Thai modern classics and international favorites like wood-fired pizzas, tandoori baked seafood and a market seafood display.
THE NAI HARN was previously known as Royal Phuket Yacht Club, the original five-star resort on the island when it opened in 1986. It has 130 opulent, oversized guest rooms and suites designed to maximize the panoramic views of the beach and the sailboats dotting the Andaman. Its other features include a luxury spa, an amazing new pool, six dining options, intimate meeting facilities and professional wedding planners.
"Most importantly, the resort was founded on a desire to connect guests to the destination's unique culture, tapping them into the intense color and vibrancy of this incredible slice of paradise," Mr Grassmann said.
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