Experience Wine Excellence at the One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

More than 700 labels from some of the finest wine producers throughout the world are on offer at the One&Only Reethi Rah. Stored in two temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellars are over 18,000 bottles, which have travelled from as far away as the valleys of California, the Châteaux of Bordeaux, the lush wineries of Australia and the wine lands of South Africa.

Head Sommelier, Jean-Sebastien Azais, showcases these wines in a series of tastings and wine matching dinners. These take place several times a week, themed by country or personalised to the guest’s preferences, and are held in the resort's stunning wine dining room – the only air-conditioned restaurant area on the island, situated between the two cellars.

Wine connoisseurs will enjoy Jean-Sebastien’s infectious enthusiasm, with personal wine programmes designed individually for guests who wish to experience particular styles or vintages during their stay. Some of the greatest, most innovative and emerging vineyards are represented on his wine list.

The wine list at One&Only Reethi Rah gives special attention to the unique wine making regions of South Africa. From the district of Stellenbosch to the Western part of Olifants River, Jean-Sebastien has chosen one of the best selections from this diverse country. Also included in the list is a selection from the famous group of winemakers belonging to the Cape Winemakers Guide, who have produced a limited collection of special Cuvées each year since 2002.

Jean-Sebastien has been interested in wine from a very young age, studying as a teenager at sommelier school in his home country of France, and was even awarded ‘Best Young Sommelier of France’ in 1999. He has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants such as Georges Blanc, in Vonnas, and Château de Divonne near Geneva. Most recently he cruised with Silversea Cruises as Head Sommelier before embracing island life at the One&Only Reethi Rah.

The fresh and exciting vision for the resort is to expand the already extensive wine list even further to include a wider selection of wines from established wine producing countries, and particularly to introduce an even higher quality of Burgundy and Bordeaux wines. In addition, the selection of second label wines from houses such as Pavillon Rouge et Blanc from Château Margaux offers extremely high quality wines at great value. This includes 15 different varieties of second label Bordeaux. The wine list currently boasts some of the most illustrious labels – Latour, Pétrus, Yquem – as well as the lesser known growers of Chile, Austria and Spain. For wine lovers and enthusiasts, the list is a revelation as well as a tasting journey around the world.

Jean-Sebastien’s team of seven sommeliers from around the region and worldwide, including Canada, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, combine local personality with international skills and experience. The team is on hand to advise guests on choosing wines to accompany some of the dishes on offer in the resort’s three restaurants – Reethi, Tapasake and Fanditha – as well as those appropriate to the climate of the Maldives. The selection of aromatic varietals of white wine matches perfectly with the slightly spicier food on the menus. Within the red wine selection, there is a wide choice of Pinot Noir, which is often preferable in warmer climates and which can also be served at a slightly cooler temperature.

At Tapasake, as well as the comprehensive sake selection, there is an excellent collection of Rieslings which complement Japanese food beautifully. The resort's Japanese chef and sake master has also specially selected a range of sake, shochu and plum wine. Classics such as Gekkeikan can be enjoyed with sushi and sashimi, while Umeshu plum wine is perfect with sweet Japanese desserts.

Champagne and sparkling wines have a starring role in the resort’s main meeting point, Rah Bar, with 20 different varieties on offer, including one from India. Many Champagnes and sparkling wines such as Dom Perignon are available by the glass, while others, including Cristal are sold by the magnum as well. One&Only Reethi Rah offers Taittinger as the house Champagne.

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