Dempsey Hill is home to various culinary delights, but one establishment stands out for its commitment to a perfect marriage of food and wine in a laid-back setting: The Wine Company. This casual destination offers patrons a delightful dining experience, with carefully crafted dishes and an extensive selection of wines to suit all tastes.
Perfect Pairings at The Wine Company
Sparkling Wine Pairings
Bruschetta Platter The Bruschetta Platter celebrates flavours with smoky salmon, fresh Roma tomatoes, rich chicken liver pate, and savoury olive tapenade. Paired with the vibrant Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, the bubbles cleanse the palate, enhancing the flavours of each bite.
Chives & Cabbage Dumplings Light and slightly crisp, the Chives & Cabbage Dumpling harmonises with the effervescence of the sparkling wine. The from-scratch dough and leafy filling create a satisfying bite, contrasted with the refreshing bubbly.
White Wine Pairings
Deep-Fried Tenggiri This dish features fresh mackerel marinated in turmeric, chilli powder, belachan, and lime. The Embrace Sauvignon Blanc 2022, with its bright acidity and tropical fruit notes, cuts through the spice and complements the fish’s natural flavours.
Wasabi Mayo Prawns Crispy battered prawns are tossed in wasabi mayo, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavours. The Vergelegen Reserve Chardonnay 2018 offers a creamy mouthfeel and balanced oakiness, rounding out the rich, umami flavours of the prawns.
Chicken Karaage Marinated in ginger and garlic, this deep-fried chicken dish is served with pineapple, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury flavours. The 2020 Weingut Thomas Steigelmann Gimmeldinger Meerspinne Riesling, with its crisp acidity and aromatic fruitiness, pairs beautifully with the Chicken Karaage.
The Wine Company Rojak A symphony of textures and flavours, this rojak features a mix of raw mango, pineapple, turnip, cucumber, deep-fried tofu, and Chinese fritters tossed in shrimp paste and chopped peanuts. The 2020 Weingut Thomas Steigelmann Gimmeldinger Meerspinne Riesling also complements this dish, refreshingly contrasting the flavourful shrimp paste mix.
Red Wine Pairings
Pig Trotter Bee Hoon A traditional Hokkien comfort food, the Pig Trotter Bee Hoon is a soul-warming dish. The 2022 Fishbone Merlot, with its velvety tannins and dark fruit notes, brings out the earthy, umami flavours of the dish.
Roast Pork The Wine Company’s made-from-scratch belly pork is roasted at high temperatures, creating a succulent roast. The Paracombe Shiraz 2015, with its bold and spicy character, enhances the pork’s robust flavours.
Beef Patty Bites Grilled Japanese minced beef cubes are perfectly seared, showcasing their juicy interior. The Paracombe Shiraz 2015, with its bold and spicy character, provides an ideal counterpoint to the beef’s richness.
Dessert Wine Pairings
Red Bean Soup The Cantonese-style Red Bean Soup is a delightful treat with a velvety texture and subtle sweetness. The Simonsig Vin de Liza offers a luscious, honeyed note that complements the dish without overpowering it.
Chocolate Molten Lava Cake Flambéed with sambuca and Grand Marnier, the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is a decadent finale to the meal. The Simonsig Vin de Liza, with its luscious, honeyed notes and hints of dried fruits, perfectly balances the intense chocolate flavours and adds a touch of sophistication to the dessert.
Review: A Memorable Experience at The Wine Company
We knew we were in for a treat from the moment we walked into The Wine Company at Dempsey Hill. The ambience is warm and inviting, boasting high ceilings, contemporary artwork, and attentive service. The knowledgeable staff guided us through each pairing with enthusiasm and expertise.
Despite its upscale atmosphere, The Wine Company is a meeting point for groups of friends without any pretence. It’s casual and welcoming to all levels of wine lovers. The food is unpretentious, no-frills, and perfect for a night of wine and catch-ups. The restaurant seemed like a popular destination, as guests were already happily drinking and chatting when we arrived early in the evening.
Each dish we tasted was well prepared, showcasing a good selection of ingredients and a good understanding of dishes to go well with wines. The wine pairings were equally impressive, elevating the dining experience. I particularly liked the first sparkling wine, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut, which set the stage for the meal, and the Embrace Sauvignon Blanc 2022, the restaurant’s label. Both wines were expressive and harmonised beautifully with their respective dishes.
The Wine Company has truly earned its reputation as a gastronomic haven and a humble restaurant with an extensive collection of wines. We cannot recommend it highly enough for those seeking a memorable dining experience in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, The Wine Company at Dempsey Hill is a must-visit destination.
About The Wine Company
Established in 1996, The Wine Company has created incredible wine experiences for everyone for over two decades. With hearts, minds, and palates set on building a wine world where everyone can have the chance to try, taste, and freely explore, The Wine Company has curated an impressive collection of over 300 wines from more than 50 wineries, all at great price tags.
Wine’s best partner, food, is equally celebrated at The Wine Company. Focused on goodness, the talented chefs prepare dishes from scratch wherever possible, from bread and jams to XO sauce. The Wine Company continually pushes the envelope with innovative wine pairing suggestions, creating an unforgettable dining experience for patrons.
The menu at The Wine Company also pays homage to local cuisine, featuring popular dishes such as char kway teow (fried flat rice noodles), yong tau foo capellini, and pig trotter vermicelli. These local favourites are skillfully crafted and perfectly paired with wines from the extensive collection, ensuring that every visit to The Wine Company is a delightful culinary adventure.
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This post was written after attending a media tasting/event. All opinions in this post are my own and not influenced by external parties. The information provided is accurate at the time of posting but is subject to change. Please check the brand page for any updates.
