Kilian Baute, sommelier at the Rosewood Villa Magna, is a true wine enthusiast. His professional journey, which has taken him from the volcanic lands of Tenerife to the vibrant markets of Shanghai and Madrid, reflects his dedication to creating unique sensory experiences. With an approach that combines tradition and modernity, Baute seeks to connect cultures through the universal language of wine.
On this occasion, the Rosewood Villa Magna is launching ‘Wine Dinners’, an exclusive series of seven dinners that blend haute cuisine and winemaking. Each dinner, held in different spaces of the iconic hotel, will feature a menu crafted by renowned chefs and a carefully selected range of wines from prestigious wineries, both national and international. Throughout this series, diners will enjoy meticulously crafted pairings, where each dish will be complemented by wines that tell their own story.
The first event of ‘Wine Dinners’, titled “La Rioja Alta visits Amós”, will take place on 10th October at the Amós restaurant, under the direction of acclaimed chef Jesús Sánchez. At this exclusive dinner, attendees will be able to savour a menu specially designed for the occasion, paired with select wines from La Rioja Alta that reflect the richness and diversity of this iconic wine region.
‘Wine Dinners’ promises to be a unique sensory experience. What has the process been like for selecting the wines that accompany each menu? What criteria do you follow to ensure that each wine perfectly complements the dishes created by chef Jesús Sánchez?
The wines have been chosen primarily because they allow us to combine the flavours of the Cantabrian Sea, and also because we want to show that it is possible to harmonise dishes with wines that we are not accustomed to drinking.
In order to connect the flavours of Jesús’s cuisine, which are very pure and intense, we have studied his dishes extensively. By constantly tasting them and working to achieve the most precise harmony possible, we aim to fine-tune both elements significantly.
From Tenerife to Shanghai and now in Madrid, you have come a long way as a sommelier. How have your international experiences influenced the creation of ‘Wine Dinners’ and your approach to pairing wines with such elaborate dishes?
The experiences I have gained throughout my career have significantly broadened my knowledge, tastes, and customs, opening my perspective on my work. This has been enriching in all aspects of my professional life, giving me the opportunity to deepen my understanding and even to take more risks with my pairings.
The first event of ‘Wine Dinners’ features historic wines from La Rioja Alta, a winery with a great tradition in Spain. What value does it bring to diners to combine these wines with the innovative cuisine of Jesús Sánchez, and what kind of story do you hope to tell together through this fusion?
We are very fortunate to have a winery with such tradition that delights us not only with its more innovative side but also with its new projects from Ribera del Duero and Rías Baixas. This allows us to create a dinner that will be different. Jesús’s exceptional cuisine, despite having modern influences, is fundamentally based on quality ingredients and tradition. Therefore, they go hand in hand and will bring us great surprises during the dinner.
Throughout the seven events of ‘Wine Dinners’, you will be working with different wineries and types of wine. What kind of experiences or surprises can we expect at the upcoming events, and how do you plan to maintain freshness and originality in each of them?
The Wine Dinner Series has been created to demonstrate that it is possible to do different and attractive things that will surprise our guests with a myriad of well-known wines as well as some that are less familiar. From Rosewood Villa Magna, we aim to tell a story through each dish, winery, and their wines, with each event being completely different. We want to showcase our passion for gastronomy and wine, respecting each one as they deserve, and making what seems very difficult enjoyable by creating unforgettable experiences for everyone involved, both attendees and the hotel team.
