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?

You can argue it either way.

Start with Italy. It has over 350 indigenous grapes, but the one variety that is its claim to fame is Sangiovese, used in so many great wines from Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino to the Super Tuscans. Sangiovese brought the world’s drinkers to Italy and introduced them to its many siblings – Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Pinot Grigio and more. Today, consumers everywhere appreciate the diversity of Italian wines, but they still pay respect to Sangiovese.

Like Italy, Portugal has over 300 native grapes, but it does not promote any particular variety in the international arena. The fact that one grape often has different names depending on where it is grown (north, centre or south) doesn’t help. As a result perhaps, Portuguese wine has little recognition outside Portugal even today (except Port and Mateus Rosé.) A few years ago, ViniPortugal decided to start marketing Touriga Nacional as the national grape, hoping it would achieve similar status to Sangiovese and bring the world to its many other wines. We are still waiting to see the results.

Most will agree that Tempranillo is Spain’s flagship grape. But what about Grenache (Garnacha)? It is an important variety in Rioja where Tempranillo gained its fame, and produces the expressive and concentrated wines of Priorat and the south. In fact, Grenache has more characters than Tempranillo as a varietal, yet it always seems a few steps behind.

Sauvignon Blanc, specifically from Marlborough, put New Zealand on the world wine map. Now every wine region outside New Zealand wants to produce a similar style of Sauvignon Blanc. However, this flagship grape has been so successful that all other great New Zealand wines are living under its shadow. The average consumer (and I am referring to the average, not those in the wine circle) is not even aware of Otago Pinot Noir, let alone the wines of other regions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this – get in touch!

By Tersina Shieh, marketer turned winemaker.

To read more, visit Tersina’s blog at Tersinawinejournal

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

Terms & Conditions

• Pure Cardholder discount applies and Pure Card number must be quoted upon reservation

The Schiopetto wine story

Giorgio Schiopetto, who owned Ai Pompieri, a famous old inn in Udine, passed on to his son Mario his love of good wines. Before turning to wine-making, Mario Schiopetto traveled far and wide in Europe in search of quality wines in the famed German and French wine cellars. It was German technology blended with French finesse that enabled him to find his niche in wine-making. Mario launched his wine business in 1965 in Gorizia, today his children Maria Angela, Carlo and Giorgio, carries on his legacy.

Mario Schiopetto excels in his craft in producing outstanding white wines from the northeastern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and is considered the founding father of the modern wine-making region of Friuli. He is credited for his contribution to the Italy’s burgeoning wine scene.

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.

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.