Latest blog from Martin Lea, our General Manager in the Far East:
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the inaugural James Suckling Great Wines of Italy event held at the Island Shangri La in Hong Kong. All of the top producers in Italy were where there - Bruno Giacosa, Casanova Di Neri, Marchesi Antinori, Paolo Scavino, Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia, Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia), Valdicava, Vietti, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona and Zenato (to name just a few). It was the biggest tasting of Italian wines ever hosted in Asia and the event was completely sold out, highlighting the growing popularity of the wines in this part of the world.
Italian wines are made to be drunk. They are great with food and offer outstanding value for money, so it is no surprise that as the market for fine wine in Asia grows, so has the demand for Italian wines. There is nothing like meeting the winemakers to learn about the wines - all of the producers that I spoke to were really excited to be showing their wines to such enthusiastic wine lovers and many feel Asia is now their key market.
All of the wines on show were rated 90 points or higher by James Suckling and there really was an embarrassment of riches to enjoy. I don't recall ever going to a single wine tasting with so many truly outstanding wines. The trade session between 3-5pm went by in a flash and I could have done with an extra hour or so to keep tasting when the event drew to a close at 9pm. The wines that impressed me the most were:
2001 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
2007 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
2009 Sassicaia
2004 Vietti Villero Barolo Riserva
2006 Zenato Amarone
And last but not least, the 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Madonna Del Piano Valdicava
All of these wines were utterly spellbinding and the Madonna Del Piano was out of this world. I haven't tasted a more impressive young Brunello. I can assure there was no 'spitting' where these wines were concerned. When I left the event I couldn't help but think I really do have the best job in the world – one that gives me the opportunity to taste such great wines.
The event was a huge success and credit must go to James Suckling for the outstanding job he has done in promoting Italian wines and raising their profile here. I managed to speak with James and he said that due to the day’s success this will now become an annual event. I'm sure even more producers will be queuing up to participate next year, as the interest in Italian wines is only going to increase of the next 12 months.
I for one will be making sure I get my ticket early!
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the inaugural James Suckling Great Wines of Italy event held at the Island Shangri La in Hong Kong. All of the top producers in Italy were where there - Bruno Giacosa, Casanova Di Neri, Marchesi Antinori, Paolo Scavino, Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia, Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia), Valdicava, Vietti, Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona and Zenato (to name just a few). It was the biggest tasting of Italian wines ever hosted in Asia and the event was completely sold out, highlighting the growing popularity of the wines in this part of the world.
Italian wines are made to be drunk. They are great with food and offer outstanding value for money, so it is no surprise that as the market for fine wine in Asia grows, so has the demand for Italian wines. There is nothing like meeting the winemakers to learn about the wines - all of the producers that I spoke to were really excited to be showing their wines to such enthusiastic wine lovers and many feel Asia is now their key market.
All of the wines on show were rated 90 points or higher by James Suckling and there really was an embarrassment of riches to enjoy. I don't recall ever going to a single wine tasting with so many truly outstanding wines. The trade session between 3-5pm went by in a flash and I could have done with an extra hour or so to keep tasting when the event drew to a close at 9pm. The wines that impressed me the most were:
2001 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
2007 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
2009 Sassicaia
2004 Vietti Villero Barolo Riserva
2006 Zenato Amarone
And last but not least, the 2006 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Madonna Del Piano Valdicava
The event was a huge success and credit must go to James Suckling for the outstanding job he has done in promoting Italian wines and raising their profile here. I managed to speak with James and he said that due to the day’s success this will now become an annual event. I'm sure even more producers will be queuing up to participate next year, as the interest in Italian wines is only going to increase of the next 12 months.
I for one will be making sure I get my ticket early!
Comments
Post a Comment