MEDIA RELEASE
5 October 2006
Partingtons Launches Auckland’s Largest Wine Menu
Partingtons at the Langham has unveiled what is believed to be Auckland’s largest wine menu.
The menu features over 390 different wines from 11 different countries ranging in price from $5.00 for tastings through
to $550.00 for a 750ml bottle of Veuve Clicquot Le Grande Dame Rosé.
The menu was hand selected by Partingtons’ sommelier Josselin de Gésincourt: “I have created this wine menu respecting
the notion of terroir which takes into account the special characteristics of a particular region such as the type of
soil, weather conditions, grapes and wine making savoir-faire,” says Josselin.
Using the terroir concept de Gésincourt has split the menu into ten New Zealand regions (Northland, Auckland, Gisborne,
Hawkes Bay, Martinborough, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Waipara and Central Otago) followed by the wine growing
regions of Australia, France, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, South Africa and United States of
America.
This is unique for a New Zealand wine menu with most locals used to selecting their tipple by choosing a grape variety,
for example Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot.
A significant amount of the menu focuses on smaller regional vineyards from around the globe.
While it may sound a little intimidating at first to those unfamiliar with terroir, de Gésincourt says there is nothing
to be afraid of: “All you need is to be interested. The favourite part of my job is to blind taste people to find the
perfect match for their meal so you really don’t need to know anything about wine; by trying something new I can share
my passion with you,” he says.
About Partingtons:
Partingtons’ scene is set by heavy, flamboyant entry drapes which part to reveal chandeliers sparkling from a painted
‘trompe l’oeil’ sky ceiling. These exceptional features provide a fabulous backdrop for the restaurant’s stunning decor,
plush furniture and fine tableware.
Partingtons also offers an intimate private dining room for ten with a personal waiter and separate entrance making it
ideal for corporate dinners and special occasions.
Every Partingtons’menu showcases the best produce from premium seafood to quality cuts of meat, complemented by a
magnificent wine list chosen by sommelier, Josselin de Gesincourt with exceptional service led by restaurant manager,
Guido Paseri.
About sommelier Josselin de Gesincourt:
Hailing from France, Josselin de Gesincourt joined the Langham in December 2005.
De Gesincourt is professionally trained and has also worked as a sommelier in Paris and Ireland. He is currently
studying for his Master of Wine, the highest level of education for the wine industry, an achievement only 251 people
worldwide can claim.
ENDS