Perched atop the historical Petra Plantation overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Grand Old House reflects a century of Caymanian elegance. This legendary estate, combining old world elegance and modern opulence, serves world-renowned dishes while reflecting a heritage of perfection in service and culinary devotion.
To most customers, a wide range of wine list in a fine dining restaurant can be intimidating. It is in this quest that a sommelier's expertise comes in handy. They are matchmakers more than experts, effortlessly merging the culinary arts of their kitchen with Cayman cellar delights so that together the flavours linger long in the memory.
Speaking of perfect pairings, the principles of pairing remain the same. Here is how to create harmony between wine and food like a true connoisseur.
The Award-Winning Wine Philosophy
Grand Old House prides itself on the carefully-chosen wine selection. A long-time holder of the coveted Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, and most recently, the Wine Spectator 2-Glass Award, the cellar has become a destination in and of itself.
These awards reflect a roster that is not only extensive but also has a considerable vertical range with top producers and numerous wine-growing regions. The range boasts wine varieties of some of the finest wine regions in the world, such as:
- Bordeaux, France
- California, USA
- Italy & Spain
- Austria & Germany
- Rhône Valley, France
- Champagne, France
- New Zealand
The Caribbean’s Ultimate Wine Destination
There are more than 3,000 labels and a phenomenal 25,000+ bottles, making it the largest and most diverse collection in the Caribbean. The assortment is such that, regardless of whether you are a longtime connoisseur or an inquisitive novice, there is always a bottle, one with a special, commemorative vintage or one with a more approachable but equally outstanding flavour, to complement your meal and palate.
Grand Old House is a definitive destination for the most distinguished premium wines Cayman can provide, owing to the collection's sheer quantity and quality.
Your Guide to a Perfect Pairing
The authentic magic of experiencing a Grand Old House dining experience can be best achieved by collaborating with a sommelier. They exist to unravel the wine list less and prepare you to make a decision that enriches every bite.
These professionals are trained to understand your taste buds, know your budget and appreciate the subtle taste of your ordered meal. They are not simply suggesting a wine; they are composing a symphony of flavours, harmonising glass and plate in perfect unison.
Trusting the Connoisseur
At the table, do not be afraid to involve your sommelier. Express how you feel about a certain dish or a kind of wine you like, and get guided by the same. They can guide you to an unexpected new favourite or pick an old-timer that elevates the meal to a new level. Their experience as wine connoisseurs is a confidence-inspiring value that will leave you with a top-quality selection of the most appropriate nature befitting the occasion.
Mastering the Pairing: Tips for Caribbean Fine Dining
The Grand Old House culinary team is known to excel in quality seafood and signature island cuisine, cooked in a blend of local customs and international flavours. The selection of wine to accompany such a menu must be one that takes into account the regional flavours of the Caribbean and the complexity of a well-rounded wine cellar.
Here are some of the guiding principles that the waterfront sommeliers at Grand Old House employ:
Matching Intensity
A basic principle of matching is that the weight and intensity of the wine should be equal to the dish. A light-bodied, high-acid, dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is marvellous with a delicate, flaky fish, cooked simply, perhaps. In dishes considered richer, like grilled lobster drenched in buttery deliciousness, a full-bodied Chardonnay with a hint of oak could grant the richness the lobster needs to complement its inherent sweetness.
Complementing Flavours and Textures
Consider the primary elements of the dish. A menu item with a citrus or acidic component, such as ceviche, would require a fresh and crisp white wine that displays good acidity to cleanse the palate.
A sommelier would suggest an aromatic white, a Viognier, or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir with the nuttier or herbier crusted dish, like the Basil and Pistachio Crusted Sea Bass, as it would taste fine with the savoury bite without overwhelming the dainty fish. The idea is to provide a synergetic experience in which the food and wine complement each other and do not compete for attention.
Sweetness and Spice
When a dish has a hint of sweetness, whether from coconut milk in a curry or ripe mango in a salad, the ideal wine should mirror that richness. Too light, and the wine disappears; too heavy, and it clashes. Aromatic, medium-bodied wines strike the perfect balance.
Grand Cayman cuisine is an explosion of spices: nutmeg, thyme, allspice, and the fire of Scotch bonnet peppers. Wines with sufficient depth and richness can counter these strong flavours. Delicate selections just do not cut it against this intensity, so look instead at more bold and intensely fruity or even off-dry versions, which can stand up to the spice and the complexity.
Exploring the Unconventional
In some familiar combinations are a sure thing, but the risk-taking gourmet can be advised on bold, unexpected combinations. Grand Old House, with its extensive inventory of the wines of the Rhone Valley, Spain, and New Zealand, boasts unlimited opportunities. A spicy Grenache may be recommended to counter a dish with a peppery bite, or a refreshing Grüner Veltliner of Austria to match the fresh, earthy tastes of local produce.
Classic Cayman Pairings to Try
- Jerk Chicken or Rice and Peas → A juicy red wine works wonders.
- Salt Fish and Ackee→ An aromatic white enhances the dish beautifully.
- Rosé → A flexible option that bridges the gap between spice and sweetness.
A Journey Through the Cellar: The Grand Old House Wine Rooms
To the real wine lover, the experience at Grand Old House goes beyond the dining room table and into its iconic wine cellar. Contained beneath the historic inspirational ocean-front location are five separate wine rooms, each of which boasts a singular immersion in the world of wine. These interiors make a meal an event, a transformational learning trip into the world of premium wines Cayman offers.
- The Wine Room: A utopia to the collector, an oasis to the high-end investor, the Wine Room contains aged treasures and historic labels dating back centuries, ideal to commemorate something as once-in-a-lifetime as a celebration.
- The Jeroboam Room: A tribute to the titans of the wine world, the Jeroboam room highlights unabashed Californian Cabernets, as well as the heritage of the very best ricas made in Spain, a recommendation of character and depth.
- Sassicaia Room: A smaller venue honouring the artistry of Tuscany and the grace of Super Tuscans, ideal for indulging in fine Italian reds.
- The Balthazar Room: A vibrant centre with a spectacular assortment of sparkling wines of Italy and France, iconic Champagne, and Prosecco, ideal for toasts or boisterous tastings.
- The Melchior Room: This room is a paradise for lovers of grandeur, characterised by a remarkable collection of extraordinarily huge bottles glorifying the art of ageing and presentation in dramatic proportions.
The rooms are not merely storage but curated, immersive experiences to awaken the mind and senses for an unmatched wine journey.
A Culinary Experience Unlike Any Other
For a wine lover, the culinary scene in Grand Cayman is ecstatic. The best restaurants on the island that offer Caribbean fine dining, pride themselves on their carefully selected wine lists. Experienced sommeliers are also available to assist you, whether you want to splurge on a rare bottle or just want to keep it casual with a crowd-pleasing selection. No matter your preference, Grand Cayman offers the perfect accompaniment to its top-notch cuisine- an equally prominent wine experience.
A Wine List for Every Palate
Whether it is a by-the-book budget-friendly gem or a luxury pour, the award-winning lists guarantee something for everyone, so every meal becomes truly memorable. The collection, chosen by dedicated sommeliers, covers all Cayman wine price points to treat yourself to the best without compromise.
An Evening to Cherish at Grand Old House
Enter a realm where historic ambience, an eclectic menu of new island flavours, and a cellar of international award-winning wines converge. The connoisseurs devoted to turning each sip into an adventure and each bite into a tale ensure you enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Reserve a table today and indulge in a world-class wine and dining experience.
