Scoring wines at Vinitaly 5 Star Wine
After hearing that I will debut as a junior judge in Vinitaly 5 Star Wine, my good friend Morgun quickly asked that I must have this experience written after I returned. So in a way, Morgun this is for you. Because I have mentioned Verona in the past, I will just skip the fluff about how beautiful the city is […]
Italian white wines for Singapore
“Italians don’t make interesting white wines”, a casual remark I heard after few pints of beer. If the probable beer-triggered gout didn’t kill me that evening, that statement against Italian white wines almost did me in. This misconception is common as Italian white wines are obviously a victim of its red’s success. Although I lost count […]
The De Marchi returns to Lessona
Given an opportunity, would you move back to where your ancestors’ came from? Unlikely for me. But now and then, there are some people who are driven by a dream of restoring family greatness, they actually do make the move. Here’s a story about Paolo De Marchi, the man who is better known for the famous Isole […]
Italian Wine Ambassador
First I must apologise for my hiatus, but believe me, my month-long absence was with a reason. I had the privilege to attend the inaugural Vinitaly International Academy certification course, with 54 other top-notch wine professionals including sommeliers, educators, journalists and consultants from around the world. This wasn’t just a personal mission to succeed in […]
The many twists of Pieropan
There aren’t many rules one needs to learn before visiting the Pieropan family, but try not to introduce yourself as Giulio. Having been in the business of making wines using fruits harvested from the hill of Soave since the late 19th century, the Pieropan family went through several tough rides to be what it is today. Although he […]
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione
Early last year, words on the new Chianti Classico quality tier, Gran Selezione, made its way around. Very quickly, it became popular conversation topic among local trade people, with speculation about its impact and possible line of new products that may refresh the image of Chianti. A name that is as traditional as the aristocratic past of Florence. Things were finally […]
Barolo – Can we skip the ten years wait?
Arrived with a pair of sleepy eyes and sore butt, I stood in Palazzo Gran Guardia expecting to pit my taste buds against a hundred wines. To taste all wines was a foolish idea which I did not entertain. As I stumbled through the halls amidst the buzzing of foreign greetings and seeing how television journalists caught unsuspecting guests for interviews, I finally […]
Vinitaly 2014 – In fair Verona…
[quote_simple]Two wine events, both alike in dignity. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene. From ancient farming break to new technology, where berries blood makes farmer hands unclean.[/quote_simple] If Verona doesn’t sound synonymous to Vinitaly for you, then at least I should remind you of Romeo and Juliet. It was said that Shakespeare never came to […]
Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wines Roadshow (SG)
You may have heard of Gambero Rosso, and their recently-held Top Italian Wines road show. Gambero Rosso is an Italian food & wine magazine; Mr X calls it the Decanter of Italy. Relevantly, they write about wines, they review wines, and they dish out wine awards. And, Gambero Rosso is literally “red prawn”, thus their logo. […]
Mark the date – Gambero Rosso in Singapore on 12th March 2014
Developing wine market and our ever stronger interest in Italian wines, these factors have attracted Gambero Rosso back to Singapore for the third time. Known as the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Wines road show, the event continues to have a remarkable walk around tasting featuring 200 wines and two guided tasting sessions.