From 2 to 4 September 2026, the European Elegance campaign brought two of Europe's most celebrated quality products to Seafood Expo Asia at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. For three days, Marennes Oléron PGI oysters from France's Atlantic coast and Franciacorta PDO wines from Italy's Lombardy region shared the spotlight at one of Asia's leading seafood trade events.
An exclusive pairing masterclass
The highlight of our presence was an exclusive masterclass for trade and importers, hosted by Nicolas Brossard, Managing Director Marennes Oléron, alongside Daisuke Sommelier. After the masterclass a cooking demo was held by Chef Federico. Guests tasted three varieties of Marennes Oléron PGI oysters side by side: Fine de Claire, Spéciale de Claire and Pousse en Claire. Each was paired with Franciacorta PDO wines: Franciacorta Extra Brut, Franciacorta Satèn 2019 and Franciacorta Rosé 2021.
The three oysters trace a journey of refinement. After growing at sea, they are finished in the claires, the shallow clay-bottomed ponds of the Marennes Oléron basin. The longer they stay there and the more space each oyster is given, the rounder and more complex its flavour becomes. Tasting all three in sequence showed guests how time and terroir shape every shell.
Franciacorta proved a natural partner. The wine is made by the traditional method, with its second fermentation in the bottle and long ageing on the lees. That gives it a fine, persistent mousse and a fresh, mineral backbone. Together, the two products created a pairing in a class of its own, suited to a celebratory aperitif as much as to an elegant dinner at home.
"The Franciacorta cut straight through the brininess of the oysters and left the palate fresh. It's a pairing I'll be recommending to anyone hosting at home this season." Daisuke Kawai, sommelier.
Meeting the producers
Guests had the chance to speak directly with Nicolas Brossard, director of Marennes Oléron and other representatives of Marennes Oléron PGI oysters. They discussed the region's centuries-old oyster-farming heritage, the know-how behind the claires and what the PGI label guarantees. The Franciacorta PDO producers shared their insights with media ahead of the event.
"Oysters and sparkling wine are a classic, but Marennes Oléron and Franciacorta take it to another level. Both are shaped by their landscape, and that's exactly what makes them work so well together." - Chef Federico
Why the EU quality labels matter
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) are European Union quality schemes. They guarantee that a product comes from a defined area and is made according to strict, verified specifications. For consumers and trade buyers in Singapore, the labels are a simple mark of origin, authenticity and quality.
"I thought I knew oysters, but tasting the Fine de Claire, the Spéciale de Claire and the Pousse en Claire one after the other was a revelation. You can really taste the time each one spends in the claires." Edna, importer
Singapore has an exceptional dining scene, and it was a pleasure to share the know-how of our region with guests who care so much about quality and origin." -Nicolas Brossard, Managing Director at Marennes Oléron.
Seen and shared
The masterclass and the campaign were featured by Epicure Asia, Expat Living, Spirited Asia and The Peak, alongside Singapore food and dining creators who shared their experience on Instagram.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Seafood Expo Asia 2026. Follow the campaign on Instagram at @europeanelegance_hk_sg for more pairing ideas, recipes and hosting inspiration.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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