Restaurant & Bar 2010: Five Must-Try Wines

Thursday. 9 September. 2010. 9:36 am

One-of-a-kind selections you won’t want to miss.

It might be a trade exhibition, but don’t let that spoil your fun.

The Restaurant and Bar exhibition, which draws to a close tonight, is the perfect venue for personal exploration. Aside from the slew of mass-market selections on offer, the event is also known to feature a number of unique and interesting varieties, many of which are difficult to find or yet-to-be-released.

Entry for the event is largely trade-only, but for those of you in the F&B sector, here’s a shortlist of wines that stand out, all of which are available for tasting:

Winery Gengenback, Pinot Blanc de Noirs Dry (2009) – S&D German Wines (Booth: D60)
White Pinot Noirs are still a rare breed in Hong Kong, so if you haven’t tried one yet here’s your chance. This 2009 vintage boasts floral aromas complemented by an essence of plums, cherries and peaches. Expect a cross between a bold Chardonnay and mature Sauvignon Blanc.

Grenache (2010) – The 8th Estate Winery (Booth: E59)
Fresh out of the barrel, the 2010 Grenache from Hong Kong’s urban winery is one to watch. Though not available till next year, the distinctively varietal red has already made a name for itself among sommeliers at the show. Flavours include raspberries, spices and various floral components.

Rolling Stones Wines, Satisfaction (2005) – Hop Hing Loong Co., Ltd (Booth: D51)
A blend of five grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Verdot, and Malbec – Satisfaction carries a highly defined structure relative to other Napa Valley wines. Red fruits meet with liquorice, blackberries and a hint of vanilla to produce a silky-smooth concoction worthy of its namesake.

PB Hein, Charbono (2004) – Altruistic Boutique Wines (Booth: D49)
Charbono wines from the Napa Valley region are practically unheard of and the only reason this producer was able to come up with any was due to an oversight by the previous land owner who mistakenly thought he was cultivating Merlot! Full-bodied and complex yet surprisingly supple, it’s definitely food for thought.

Tickled Pink, Pinot Noir Dessert (2010) – Altruistic Boutique Wines (Booth: D49)
This playful dessert number is in high demand and short supply, making it a good reason to get your hands on some while you actually can. The strawberry and peach flavours are intense, but the absence of any excessive sweetness makes it well suited to all palates.





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