Flagship Wine: Ambassador or Juggernaut?

We look into the flagship wines of the world’s leading wine countries.

What’s the wine or grape that first springs to mind when someone mentions France, Spain, Argentina or New Zealand? Bordeaux, Tempranillo, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc? These are considered the “flagship wines” of those specific countries – their ambassadors as such. But do they really bring value to their motherland’s wine industry, or do they shine so bright that they stultify it?

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Wine Pairing Dinner with The Schiopetto Family Winery at Red Soho

Italian food and wine on the 22nd of September in SoHo.

Famous for their white wine – especially Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Fruialano – the Schiopetto family has been in the wine business for three generations.

Join the estate’s Marketing Manager Cristian Maddlena for their most renowned vintages paired with the eclectic New York cuisine of RED SoHo. One night only – don’t miss the chance to toast “La Dolce Vita” with the Schiopettos!

Details:

• When: Tuesday 22 September
• Time: 7pm
• Price: HKD550 + 10% per head
• Reservations: Call 8199 8189 for reservations – spaces are limited.

RED SoHo

• 2/f, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

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Getting the Wine you Want in Hong Kong

A round-up of tips for ordering wine when you are at a restaurant.

Education is key to all new wine drinkers and lovers, and here at Winebuzz.hk we want to be able to help guide you in the right direction. Here is a round-up of links to recent wine notes for you:

How to order the right wine:

Know-your-double trouble. Syrah and shiraz are made from the same grape. So are pinot gris and pinot grigio. And fume blanc and sauvignon blanc.

The name changes depending on where they’re grown. Try not to be That Guy Who Says, “I don’t like shiraz. Let’s try a syrah instead.”

Communication will help you get the wine you want:

Ask the restaurant wine expert questions: Wine-focused restaurants educate their staff about the wines on the list. They often sample the wines so they can understand how to sell them. Ask your waitperson if they have any suggestions; this can sometimes help with your choice. Always keep in mind that everyone has different likes and dislikes, so you can point them in the right direction by stating, “What do you suggest for a big, bold red wine?” as opposed to “What is your favorite red”?

The smoothness versus the texture of wine:

Most of the time, wine periodicals focus on the flavors and aromas but neglect texture, which is crucial in evaluating wine. That astringent texture comes from the Tannins. This substance is found in the stems, bloom of the skin, and pips of the grapes. A wine cannot age well without the presence of Tannins, though they can also impart a somewhat rough and dry taste when the wine is young.

Ordering Wine at Lunch – Pierre Legrandois

Lunch time wine.

Pierre Legrandois, Chief Sommalier at the Mandarin Oriental give us some pointers on how to enjoy wine during lunch. Many people don’t order wine during lunch for fear of the after effects when they still have to be at the office.  Pierre has some tips on how you can enjoy wine during lunch.

The trick is to order lower alcohol content wine from countries like Germany and Eastern Europe where most of the lower alcohol content variety of wine are made. Not all wine have the same alcohol content so choose the variety with less alcohol content if you don’t want to be impaired at your meeting after.   For whites, go for Sauvignon Blanc and Reisling and for red, choose Pinor Noir or Niebbiolo. For example a Reisling normally contain 7-11% alcohol while alcohol level in Chardonay is usually 12-14%.

So now you know, go ahead enjoy some wine during your business lunch, it might make it a little more amicable, just a little.