June 28, 2024, Vancouver To take part in the relaunch of one of the most iconic and historic watches from IWC was a profound honor. The Portugieser is to IWC what the Kelly bag is to Hermès and the Model D to Steinway & Sons—a timeless emblem of craftsmanship and legacy. Initially, I envisioned retelling the story of the Portuguese merchants who sought large wristwatches with the precision of pocket watches, pairing it with a flight of Portuguese wines. However, that idea quickly evolved. I wanted to delve deeper, offering more substance to explore the finer details of the new Portugieser references.
In the end, the evening’s theme revolved around IWC’s new dials: Horizon Blue, Dune, and Obsidian Black. These stunning designs inspired a carefully curated trio of wines to match their unique aesthetics.
Horizon Blue and Forjas del Salnés (Rías Baixas, Spain): Evoking the ocean’s vast expanse, the Portugieser Automatic in Horizon Blue was paired with Forjas del Salnés Leirana Genoveva Albariño 2020. This wine, produced from 150-year-old vines in Galicia’s coastal vineyards, carried saline minerality and citrus notes, mirroring the maritime origins of IWC’s Portuguese roots. In my book, this is one of the best Albariño on the market.
Dune and Gaja IDDA Bianco (Mount Etna, Italy): The Perpetual Calendar in Dune tone found its counterpart in Gaja IDDA Bianco, crafted on the volcanic slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. Why did I pick a wine from one of the most active volcanoes in Europe? As Etna spew lava, painting down the slopes, eventually crackling into mineral rich, dune-coloured sandy lava soil. A complicated wine paired perfectly with such complication — perpetual calendar.
Obsidian Black and Zuccardi Piedra Infinita Malbec (Uco Valley, Argentina): A dial inspired by the deep black sky at night and the golden lights of the city… As I let my imagination run wild, I envision taking my family on a trip, far far away, where we can stargaze while mom and dad can also enjoy a glass of wine. Where would we go? In the same breathe my mind already too me to Uco Valley, Argentina. A wine region characterized by it’s high altitude in Mendoza (900-1100m), this is where mountain meets the skies, and the valley is nestled by the Andes mountains.
