La Serenissima & La Superba
SOHO HOUSE HONG KONG SATURDAY 11 JUNE 2022
Vino Condiviso La Serenissima e la Superba June 11, 2022 Welcome to Vino Condiviso 2022 edition, Hong Kong’s most popular Italian wine tasting event! Our journey through the Italian peninsula and its great wines has brought us to two cities: Venice in Veneto region and Genoa in Liguria region, once the two major maritime republics. Venice - called La Serenissima: the most serene - and Genoa - La Superba: the superb one -, were the two rival maritime republics in Italy from the Middle Ages to Renaissance. With their powerful fleets of ships, Venice and Genoa supported extensive commercial routes across the Mediterranean. Of course wine was an important trading good and still today we can find the influence of the two republics in many wine regions. During this four hour tasting and food pairing event, you will have the chance to taste 60 wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Sardinia and Veneto regions. This edition of Vino Condiviso will also include three wine masterclasses led by certified Vinitaly Italian Wine Educators and will let you discover all the secrets of great Italian wines like Vermentino, Vernaccia, Amarone and Recioto. I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the team of Vino Condiviso, Averardo Borghini Baldovinetti, Alan Kwok, Enoch Ling, Alice Wong and all the volunteers for their relentless effort and commitment to bring Italian wine culture to Hong Kong! Clemente Contestabile Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong
1
The Most Serene and The Superb One. What a theme! The historic Venetian-Genoese rivalry sets the scene for our first event of 2022. Many in Hong Kong might be familiar with the celebrated Rialto Bridge in Venice, or the stunning landscape of Cinque Terre. However, the discord between the two most dominant Maritime Republics of Italy is probably less well-understood. Therefore, we dared to be the first to bring to Hong Kong the most complete picture of this remarkable saga. Through this linkage, we connected four Italian regions – Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto on the Venetian side, versus Liguria and Sardinia from the Genoese. As we have emphasized time and again, Vino Condiviso is much more than wine sampling. We believe that history, culture, gastronomy, science, and people are all indispensable parts of wine appreciation. To allow our guests to fully immerse into the centerpiece, we try to tackle every aspect we possibly can. Last year’s memorable Vino Condiviso Sabrage Corner at the Victoria Harbor illustrated the supreme quality of Metodo Classico Italiano. This June, we introduce our new Vino Condiviso Masterclass and Vino Condiviso Wine Auction. The comprehensive programs of the event let our guests explore Italian wines from the academic and investment points of view. Hong Kong is a dynamic and ever-evolving city, and our sophisticated guests will keep looking for more. So in every edition we strive to deliver new elements. There is simply no single formula for success. Thanks to the enduring support from the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong and the Italian Trade Agency, we have been able to take our creativity to a whole new level. At the same time, we have remained truthful to our core values and respectful to authenticity. We are proud to have set the gold standard for sit-down tastings in Hong Kong, and we will continue to lead the trend. The Most Serene and The Superb One. We believe we are both. Team Vino Condiviso
2
La Superba, The Republic of Genoa & Liguria Brief history: The Republic of Genoa ruled the Mediterranean Sea for almost 7 centuries from 1099 to 1797. It was a major commercial power in both the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. Between the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the major financial centres in Europe. Throughout its history, the Genoese Republic established numerous colonies including Corsica from 1347 to 1768, parts of Sardinia, Monaco, Southern Crimea from 1266 to 1475, and the islands of Lesbos and Chios in today’s Greece. With the arrival of the early modern period, the Republic had lost many of its colonies, and had to shift its interests and focus on banking. This decision proved successful for Genoa, which remained as one of the hubs of capitalism, with highly developed banks and trading companies. Genoa was known as "La Superba" ("The Superb One"), "La Dominante" ("The Dominant One"), "La Dominante dei Mari" ("The Dominant of the Seas"), and "La Repubblica dei Magnifici" ("The Republic of the Magnificents"). From 1339 until the Republic's extinction in 1797, the ruler was the Doge. Originally elected for life, after 1528 he was elected for terms of two years. However, in actuality, the Republic was an oligarchy ruled by a small group of merchant families, from whom the Doges were selected. The Ligurian Republic, risen from the ashes of Genoa, was annexed by the First French Empire in 1805. The restoration of the Republic of Genoa was briefly proclaimed in 1814 following the defeat of Napoleon, but it was ultimately annexed by the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, which then became the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
What to see: Genoa is the capital of Liguria region. The city center is full of beautiful palaces that recall the power and richness of the past, thus the surname La Superba. You will find plenty of restaurants (trattorie) that serve Ligurian specialities, mainly based on fish and vegetables. The aquarium of Genoa, one of the largest in Europe, is definitely worth a visit. Riviera di Ponente: The western part of Liguria includes all the coastline towards the French border (Côte d’Azur), where you will find small villages on high hills overlooking the sea. Places such as Sanremo or Imperia are perfect for Summer holidays.
3
Riviera di Levante: The eastern/southern side of Liguria includes world renown places such as Portofino, Santa Margherita, Camogli and Cinque Terre. Not to mention the beauty of this coastline, which is a must to visit. What to eat: Pesto sauce - Suggested pasta types: Trofie Liguri, Lasagna or Trenette (small tagliatelle). The original recipe is with potatoes and green beans, modern version is only the sauce and some pecorino cheese. (No Parmigiano !) Focaccia: Plain, with cheese or with onions. The Focaccia di Recco is with cheese and the most yummy ! Baccalà: Dried cod fish Other specialities: Ligurian basil, olives taggiasche (small and brownish) and olive oil DOP Torta Pasqualina (stuffed quiche) and Cima alla genovese (stuffed roast-beef)
Sardinia Brief history: The island of Sardinia is the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It was already inhabited in the prehistoric era. You can visit the caves with the graffiti all around the island. It is called Isola dei Nuraghi because from 1800 to 1100 BC villages were built around a kind of round tower-fortresses called “nuraghi”, that you can still visit today. Owing to the variety of Sardinia's ecosystems, which include mountains, woods, plains, stretches of largely uninhabited territory, streams, rocky coasts, and long sandy beaches, Sardinia has been metaphorically described as a micro-continent. Sardinia is one of the most geologically ancient bodies of land in Europe. Fun facts: Sardinia is home to nearly four million sheep, almost half of the entire Italian assets, which makes the island one of the areas of the world with the highest density of sheep along with some parts of the United Kingdom and New Zealand (135 sheep every square kilometre versus 129 in UK and 116 in New Zealand). What to see: Costa Smeralda is famous for its white beach, blue water, glamorous villas and nightlife. Megalithic building structures called nuraghi are scattered in great numbers throughout Sardinia, they are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
4
The island has three national parks: Asinara National Park, Arcipelago di La Maddalena National Park and Gennargentu National Park. What to eat: Gnocchi sardi - Small gnocchi made with flour Curlugiones - Ravioli similar to Dim Sum Porcheddu - Suckling pig cooked on the fire Pane Carasau - The flat bread of Sardinia, famous for its thin crunchiness Bottarga di Carlo Forte - Dried fish egg (mullet or tuna) Pecorino Sardo - Typical cheese made of sheep milk Other drinks: Mirto - An alcoholic liquor made of Myrtle and perfect after dinner Filu ‘e Ferru - Typical grappa of Sardinia Birra Ichnusa - The most commercialised beer produced in Sardinia
La Serenissima, The Republic of Venice & Veneto The Republic of Venice, centred on the lagoon communities of the prosperous city of Venice, incorporated numerous overseas possessions in modern Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Cyprus. On the mainland, their territory included today's Veneto on the west and Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the eastern side. The Republic lasted for 1100 years from 697 until 1797. The Republic grew into a trading power during the Middle Ages and strengthened this position in the Renaissance. Citizens spoke the still-surviving Venetian language, although publishing in (Florentine) Italian became the norm during the Renaissance. The Republic was headed by the Doge, who was elected by members of the Great Council of Venice, the city-state's parliament, and ruled for life. The ruling class was an oligarchy of merchants and aristocrats. Venice and other Italian maritime republics played a key role in fostering capitalism. The opening of new trade routes to the Americas and the East Indies via the Atlantic Ocean marked the beginning of Venice's decline as a powerful maritime Republic. What to see: The City of Venice needs no presentation. We strongly recommend you a visit at least once in your life! From the Ducal Palace, the old Prisons and the Cathedral of San Marco, to the Palaces on the Canal Grande, everything is magnificent. We suggest you get lost in the small streets (called “calli”) and end the day in a “bacaro” (typical bar where house wine and small dishes similar to tapas are served).
5
Also to see, the islands of Burano and Murano where artisans still craft and blow glassware by hand. The inland of Veneto region also offers outstanding travel experiences in cities like Verona, Vicenza and Padua. The Palladian villas around the area of Verona and Vicenza are an example of neo-classic style from Andrea Palladio, one of the most influential individuals in the history of architecture. The Garda Lake, which is the biggest of its kinds in Italy. Places of interest around the lake are Garda, the fortress of Sirmione, Bardolino and Punta San Vigilio (one of Hemingway’s favourite places) The Dolomite Alps are a perfect destination for skiing and mountain hiking. Cortina D’Ampezzo is a world renown ski resort, where you will find international socialites during the peak season. What to eat: Venetian cuisine has been influenced by the trade and spice routes. Seafood and fish are the main ingredients. The Veneto inland area includes more meat in the recipes, especially horse meat. Baccalà alla Veneziana (Venetian-style codfish) or polenta and baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish) Bigoli in salsa - Pasta with onions and anchovies melted in Olive Oil Sarde in saor - Fish in vinegar and olive oil Fegato alla Veneziana - Venetian-style liver Moeche - Similar to the hairy crab, but you eat all as the carapace is soft Fritole Veneziane - Fried balls made with flour, sugar, pines and dried grapes
Friuli-Venezia Giulia This is Italy's north-easternmost region. It borders Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east. To the south it faces the Adriatic Sea and to the west the Veneto region. The capital is Trieste, but other cities like Aquileia and Cividale del Friuli played a significant role in ancient times.
6
What to see: Trieste city center architecture is a blend of Italian and Austrian influence. The style is called neo-classical or “Mitteluropean”. The Miramare Castle, built during the Austrian domination, is the city iconic landmark. In Aquileia, you can find the preserved ruins of a prominent ancient Roman city, while Cividale del Friuli was one of the centres of Italian Medieval civilization. The Julian Alps and the mountain lakes of Fusine. What to eat: The Friulian cuisine is a blend of Venetian, Slovenian and Austrian cuisines. Here a short list of the most interesting specialities: Frico - Heated cheese with polenta Prosciutto San Daniele (some find it tastier than Parma ham!) White asparagus of Friuli DOP Stinco di Carnia - smoked meat Cheese from the Alps
7
Further Information About The Regions
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Liguria
Sardinia
8
INDEX OF ALL WINES AT A GLANCE 1. Amorosso Fine Wines Ltd. 1A
White
2019 Ronco del Gelso Isonzo DOC Toc Bas
$192
1B
Red
2014 Fantinel Tenuta Sant'Helena Collio DOC Rosso Venko
$224
1C
Red
2017 Pala Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva 2013 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva Capitel Monte 1D Red Olmi 2. Bottega del Vino HK
$168
2A
White
2018 Vodopivec Venezia Giulia IGP Vitovska Solo
$430
2B
Red
2017 Zyme Veneto IGP Kairos
$500
$684
3. BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd. 3A
Orange
2019 Giannitessari Veneto IGP Rebellis
$348
3B
Red
2012 Valentino Butussi Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Rosso di Corte
$395
3C
Red
2013 Piccoli Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Monte La Parte
$638
3D
Red
2015 Tezza Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena
$598
3E
Sweet
2015 Valentino Butussi Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Verduzzo Friulano (500 ml)
$285
4. Certa Platform 4A
White
2020 I Clivi Venezia Giulia IGP A Tessa
$185
4B
White
2020 Pra Soave DOC Classico Otto
$185
4C
Orange
2020 Ferlat Venezia Giulia IGP P.G. Rosa
$195
4D
Red
2020 I Clivi Venezia Giulia IGP Schioppettino
$211
5. Cheese Meets Wine Limited 5A
White
2019 Campogrande Cinqueterre DOC
$517
5B
White
2019 Capichera Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Capichera
$583
5C
Sweet
2019 Possa Cinque Terre DOC Sciacchetrà (375 ml)
$848
6. Corney & Barrow Hong Kong Limited 6A
Red
2017 Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore Terre di Cariano
$110
6B
Red
2013 Cecilia Beretta Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Terre di Cariano
$290
7. EMW (HK) Trading Ltd. 7A
White
2020 Zenato Lugana DOC San Benedetto
$130
7B
White
2019 Zenato Lugana DOC Riserva Sergio Zenato
$335
7C
Red
2018 Zenato Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
$225
8. Gelardini & Romani Wine Auction Limited 8A
Sparkling 2018 Tenuta Stella Metodo Classico Brut Ribolla Gialla
$288
8B
White
2018 Sella & Mosca Alghero Torbato DOC Catore
$290
8C
Red
2017 Enzo Guglielmi Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC Superiore
$288
9. Kerry Wines Limited 9A
White
2017 Scarbolo Friuli Grave DOC Mattia Beyond Pinot
$175
9B
White
2018 Scarbolo Friuli DOC Sauvignon
$145
10. Salotto Lounge Ltd. 10A
White
2021 Cantine Lunae Colli di Luni DOC Etichetta Grigia
$210
10B
White
2020 Cantine Lunae Colli di Luni DOC Albarola
$330
10C
Red
2019 Cantine Lunae Liguria di Levante IGT Circus
$220
10D
Red
2015 Casella Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Tazzelenghe
$480
9
11. Sino Vantage Asia Ltd. 11A
White
2019 Inama Soave DOC Classico Carbonare
$295
11B
White
2019 Inama Soave DOC Classico Foscarino
$295
11C
Red
2017 Inama Colli Berici DOC Carminium
$300
11D
Red
2017 Agripunica Isola dei Nuraghi IGP Montessu
$200
11E
Red
2016 Agripunica Isola dei Nuraghi IGP Barrua
$390
12. Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits 12A
White
2020 Livio Felluga Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Friulano
$220
12B
White
2019 Livio Felluga Venezia Giulia IGP Sharis
$180
12C
Red
2016 Speri Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Sant'Urbano
$550
13. T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd. 13A
White
2020 Ronco del Gnemiz Friuli Colli Orientali DOC San Zuan
$315
13B
White
2018 Zahar Venezia Giulia IGP Malvasia
$260
13C
Orange
2018 Zidarich Venezia Giulia IGP Vitovska
$295
13D
Red
2016 Kante Venezia Giulia IGP Terrano
$230
13E
Red
2017 Antolini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Moropio
$360
13F
Red
2011 Terre di Leone Amarone della Valpoliella DOCG Classico Riserva
$750
14. Valdivia 1975 Ltd. 14A
White
2020 Zeni 1870 Lugana DOC Vigne Alte
$165
14B
White
2019 Villa Cordevigo Garda DOC Chardonnay
$178
14C
Red
2015 Zeni 1870 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Barriques
$505
14D
Red
2018 Poderi Parpinello Cannonau di Sardegna DOC San Costantino
$168
15. Vignette du Vin Limited 15A
Sparkling 2014 Ca' Rugate Lessini Durello DOC Amedeo
$275
15B
White
2020 Zuani Collio DOC Sodevo
$165
15C
Red
2016 Ca' Rugate Valpolicella DOC Superiore Campo Lavei
$275
15D
Sweet
2017 Ca' Rugate Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG L'Eremita (500 ml)
$390
16. VinoVeritas Asia Limited 16A
White
2019 Tenute Olbios Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore Lupus in Fabula
$165
16B
Rosato
2019 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Cave Rose di Una Notte
$145
16C
Red
2013 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Nessuno
$165
16D
Red
2016 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Can Grande
$185
17. Watson's Wine 17A
White
2017 Suavia Veronese IGP Massifiti
$228
17B
Red
2019 Argiolas Monica di Sardegna DOC Perdera
$128
17C
Red
2020 Argiolas Carignano del Sulcis DOC Cardanera
$138
Directly from wineries W1
White
2020 Biovio Rivera Ligure di Ponente DOC Grand Pere
n.a.
W2
Rosato
2021 Lorenzo Ramo Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC Sciac-trà
n.a.
W3
Red
2020 Lorenzo Ramo Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC Superiore
n.a.
Vino Condiviso V1
Sparkling NV Villa Sandi Serenissima DOC Metodo Classico Brut Opere
n.a.
V2
White
n.a.
1995 Contini Vernaccia di Oristano DOC Riserva (375 ml)
10
WINE LIST
2021 Cantine Lunae Colli di Luni DOC Etichetta Grigia (10A, Salotto Lounge Ltd., $210)
The wines listed below are grouped mainly by their regions with brief information of relevant history and styles.We hope it will help you navigate throughthe list and explore multi-faceted wines of Italy.
2020 Cantine Lunae Colli di Luni DOC Albarola (10B, Salotto Lounge Ltd., $330) 100% Vermentino and 100% Albarola. Luni, located at the border of Liguria and Tuscany, was an ancient Etruscan port. Etichetta Grigia shows all the hallmarks of a great Ligurian Vermentino: fresh, herbal and saline. Cantine Lunae also bottles a rare monovarietal Albarola, a wine with notes of almond and tropical fruits.
SPARKLING
2019 Campogrande Cinque Terre DOC (5A, Cheese Meets Wine Limited, $517) 90% Bosco and 10% Albarola. Campogrande is the winery of Barolo legend Elio Altare at Cinque Terre. Bosco is a rare tannic white grape.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2018 Tenuta Stella Metodo Classico Brut Ribolla Gialla (8A, Gelardini & Romani Wine Auction Limited, $288) 100% Ribolla Gialla. Metodo Classico, 24 months on lees.
2020 Biovio Riviera Ligure di Ponente DOC Grand Pere (W1) 100% Pigato. Pigato is a local biotype of Vermentino with spotted grape skins. It is found mainly in the eastern part of Liguria and produces wines which are richer and creamier than Vermentino. This wine was fermented with skin maceration and aged in tonneaux.
Veneto 2014 CaʼRugate Lessini Durello DOC Amedeo (15A, Vignette du Vin Limited, $275) 100% Durella. Grown on volcanic soils in the Lessini mountains around Verona and Vincenze. The grape Durella got its name from its tough skin. Metodo Classico, 42 months on lees.
Sardinia 2019 Capichera Isola dei Nuraghi IGT Capichera (5B, Cheese Meets Wine Limited, $583) 100% Vermentino from Gallura. Produced for the first time in 1980, this is the first Vermentino in Italy to reach international fame. Famously dubbed “a Mediterranean Montrachet” by wine journalist Luigi Veronelli.
NV Villa Sandi Serenissima DOC Spumante Metodo Classico Brut Opere (V1) Chardonnay and Pinot Nero. Established in 2011, the Serenissima DOC takes its name from the Serenissima Republic of Venice. Metodo Classico, 24 months on lees.
2019 Tenute Olbios Vermentino di Gallura DOCG Superiore Lupus in Fabula (16A, VinoVeritas Asia Limited, $165) 100% Vermentino. Lupus in Fabula… just like the wolf in a fairy tale it arrives silently but implacably. The Gallura is characterized by ancient pink granite soils which limit plant vigour. Vermentino di Gallura is more fruity than Ligurian Vermentino but equally as saline.
WHITE Liguria The food and wine of Liguria were largely originated to fit the desires of returning sea sailors. After extensive voyages, they longed for freshness and the taste of fresh herbs. With these 4 white wines, we travel across Liguria from Ligure di Ponente in the west to Cinque Terre and Colli di Luni in the east.
2018 Sella & Mosca Alghero Torbato DOC Catore (8B, Gelardini & Romani Wine Auction Limited, $290) 100% Torbato. Torbato is grown since ancient times in the area of Alghero. It has delicate aromas of yellow plums, pear, hints of thyme and pistachio nuts. Sella & Mosca single-handedly revived this variety at Sardinia and Catore is their top Torbato. 1995 Contini Vernaccia di Oristano Riserva (375 ml) (V2) 100% Vernaccia di Oristano. Contini winery makes one of Italyʼs greatest and most unique wines. Unfortified white wines of Vernaccia were matured in traditional oak barrels for over 20 years. The barrels were not topped up to allow the formation of a layer of Flor yeast on the surface, just like the great sherries in Spain.
Map of Luguria
11
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
2020 Ronco del Gnemiz Friuli Colli Orientali DOC San Zuan (13A, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd., $315) 100% Tocai Friulano on Ponca soil. Grapes from three small parcels of 20 to 60 years old vines were vinified separately before whole cluster pressed and fermented in barrels.
One of the most premium white wine regions in Italy and the birthplace of the Italian white wine quality renaissance in the 1970s. Over three quarters of FVGʼs wine production is white.
2017 Scarbolo Friuli Grave DOC Mattia Beyond Pinot (9A, Kerry Wines Limited, $175) 100% Pinot Grigio. The flagship Pinot Grigio of Scarbolo, a producer focuses on the flatland of Grave rather than hillside vineyards. This wine was aged in large neutral oak casks to add texture and depth.
2019 Ronco del Gelso Friuli Isonzo DOC Toc Bas (1A, Amorosso Fine Wines Limited, $192) 100% Tocai Friulano from Rive Alte, Isonzo on gravel soils. Fermented and aged on lees in stainless steel for a few months.
2018 Scarbolo Friuli DOC Sauvignon (9B, Kerry Wines Limited, $145) 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Simply known as “Sauvignon” in FVG, Friulian Sauvignon Blanc tends to be a fruity, savoury and sometimes spicy expression.
2020 Zuani Collio DOC Sodevo (15B, Vignette du Vin Limited, $165) 100% Ribolla Gialla from Collio on Ponca soil. Aged in oak barrels. 2020 I Clivi Venezia Giulia IGP A Tessa (4A, Certa Platform, $185) 100% Ribolla Gialla from Friuli Colli Orientali on Ponca soil. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks.
2018 Zahar Venezia Giulia IGP Malvasia (13B, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd., $260) 100% Malvasia Istriana from the rocky plateau of the Carso. Malvasia Istriana is one of 19 different Malvasia varieties that call Italy their home. Malvasia Istriana produces a wine with flavours of stone fruits, ginger and minerals.
2019 Livio Felluga Venezia Giulia IGP Sharis (11B, Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits, $180) Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay. A blend of native and international grapes.
Tocai Frulano and Ribolla Gialla Tocai Friulano and Ribolla Gialla are two grape varieties that have presence in almost every osteria or trattoria of the region. Friulano gives wines with flavours of white peach, citrus, white flowers, sage and almond. Ribolla Gialla makes wine that is round but not broad, crisp and bright, with a hint of white pepper on the palate.
Veneto Lake Garda Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, was formed during the previous ice ages when a massive glacier flowed down from the Dolomites, cutting through and gouging out the valley. Nowadays, its large body of water moderate the climate of Garda DOC, Lugana DOC and other regions around the lake. Quite rare for Northern Italy, these regions are characterized by a sub-Mediterranean climate.
Map of Lake Garda
2019 Villa Cordevigo Garda DOC Chardonnay (14B, Valdivia 1975 Ltd., $178) 100% Chardonnay.
Map of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
2020 Livio Felluga Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Friulano (12A, Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits, $220) 100% Tocai Friulano. Grown on the famous Ponca soil at Friuli Colli Orientali, an ancient sedimentary soil from the Eocene epoch (66 to 23 million years ago). Fermented and aged on lees in stainless steel.
2020 Zenato Lugana DOC San Benedetto (7A, EMW (HK) Trading Ltd., $130) 2019 Zenato Lugana DOC Riserva Sergio Zenato (7B, EMW (HK) Trading Ltd., $335) Both wines are 100% Turbiana. San Benedetto at Peschiera is widely regarded as the best site for Turbiana. “San Benedetto” was fermented in stainless
12
steel tanks; “Riserva Sergio Zenato”, from a selection of the oldest vines, was fermented in a mix of oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.
2020 Ferlat Venezia Giulia IGP P.G. Rosa (4C, Certa Platform, $195) 100% Pinot Grigio from Friuli Isonzo. When fully ripened, the skin color of Pinot Grigio is reddish to red-gray. Is this wine an orange wine or rosato? You can decide yourself!
2020 Zeni 1870 Lugana DOC Vigne Alte (14A, Valdivia 1975 Ltd., $165) 100% Turbiana. Fermented in stainless steel tanks.
2019 Giannitessari Veneto IGP Rebellis (3A, BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd., $348) 100% Solaris from Lessinia. A rare wine from PIWI grapes. PIWI Grapes are hybrid grapes which are naturally fungus resistant. They can eliminate the need of using pesticide and other chemicals in the vineyards. This wine was fermented with natural yeast in terracotta pots.
Soave Some of the Soave region today was part of a series of underwater volcanoes 50 million years ago. Volcanic soils therefore characterize a large part of the Soave Classico region. We selected for you four wines from the Soave Classico region, all situated on volcanic basalt soil and trained on pergola veronese.
2018 Vodopivec Venezia Giulia IGP Vitovska Solo (2A, Bottega del Vino HK, $430) 2018 Zidarich Venezia Giulia IGP Vitovska (13C, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd, $295) Both wines are 100% Vitovska. The Vitovska grape is mainly grown in a tiny strip of land (Karst Plateau) located between Slovenia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. Vodopivecʼs Solo was macerated on skin for 6 months in amphora, then aged in big Slavonian botti. Zidarichʼs Vitovska underwent 2 weeks maceration on skins.
ROSATO 2019 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Cave Rose di Una Notte (16B, Vino Veritas Asia Limited, $145) 50% Cannonau 50% Bovale Sardo. Cannonau is identical with Grenache while Bovale Sardo (Muristellu) is closely related to Graciano. Map of Soave and its major soil types
2021 Lorenzo Ramo Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC Sciac-Tra (W2) 100% Dolcetto from 600 meters vineyards. Sciac-Tra is a rose wine produced in the Imperia province of Liguria.
2019 Inama Soave DOC Classico Carbonare (11A, Sino Vantage Asia Ltd., $295) 100% Garganega from Cru Carbonare. Stainless steel fermented. 2019 Inama Soave DOC Classico Foscarino (11B, Sino Vantage Asia Ltd., $295) 100% Garganega from Cru Foscarino. A selection of old vines and barrel fermented.
RED Liguria 2019 Cantine Lunae Liguria di Levante IGT Circus (10C, Salotto Lounge Ltd., $220) A blend of Massaretta, Alicante, Albarossa. The Circus in Roman times was a place of meeting, socializing and partying.
2020 Pra Soave DOC Classico Otto (4B, Certa Platform, $185) 100% Garganega from the production area of Monteforte dʼAlpone. Stainless steel fermented. 2017 Suavia Veronese IGP Massifiti (17A, Watsonʼs Wine, $228) A rare 100% Trebbiano di Soave from Cru Fittaʼ. Trebbiano di Soave is genetically identical with the grape Verdicchio in the Marche region.
2017 Enzo Guglielmi Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC Superiore (8C, Gelardini & Romani Wine Auction Limited, $288) 100% Rossese. Rossese di Dolceacqua is the most famous native red grape of Liguria, yet only around 250,000 bottles are produced every year in the entire region! It is a light coloured wine with a mix of red fruits, flowers, and lovely saline-sour-astringent flavours.
ORANGE Orange wine is not made from orange, but it is the fourth colour of wine besides Red, White, and Rosato. In modern winemaking, a white wine is made from pressed grape juice without contact with grapesʼ skins, while red wines are made with extended skin contacts. An orange wine is made from white wine grapes with skin contacts.
2020 Lorenzo Ramo Ormeasco di Pornassio DOC Superiore (W3) 100% Ormeasco. The grape Dolcetto is known as Ormeasco in Liguria and Pornassio is recognized as the best region for this variety in Liguria. Rarely imported into Hong Kong.
13
in 2017 when owner and winemaker Daniela Pinna was recognized as the winemaker of the year for the Sardinia region.
Sardinia The influence of La Superba reached its peak towards the end of the 13th Century and into the first part of the 14th Century. With alliances with the Crown of Aragon in Spain and the Byzantines, Genoa became the major naval power in the Western Mediterranean with trading rights across Sicily to the Black Sea. It occupied the North-western part of Sardinia during this period before losing it ironically to the Aragon in mid 14th Century.
2019 Argiolas Monica di Sardegna DOC Perdera (17B, Watsonʼs Wine, $128) 100% Monica. Monica is a native Sardinian grape with delicate red-berry aromas and flavours complementing by fresh herbs and hints of tar and licorice and violets. 2017 Pala Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva (1C, Amorosso Fine Wines Limited, $168) 2018 Poderi Parpinello Cannonau di Sardegna DOC San Costantino (14D, Valdivia 1975 Ltd., $168) Both wines are 100% Cannonau. Cannonau, identical to Grenache, is the most commonly grown variety in Sardinia since the 1950s. There is an ongoing debate on the birthplace of Grenache. DiditarriveontheislandwiththeAragonese when they turned against the La Superba and took over the island from the middle of the 14th century? Or did it travel in the opposite direction? Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli became part of the La Serenissima in 1420. At that time, the Republic of Venice also had great influences at the Balkans (Venetian Albania), which included part of modern day Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania and others.
Map of La Superbaʼs territories in its prime
Grape varieties on Sardinia is strongly influenced by France, Spain and mainland Italy. Today, Sardinia has the largest numberofIGT/IGPclassificationsinItaly,allowingproducers to express the islandʼs vast array of native, traditional and international grapes with flexibility and freedom. Isola dei Nuraghi IGP and Colli del Limbara IGP are two of the most important ones on the island. Isola dei Nuraghi covers the entire island, and the name a reference to the conical stone towers built by the Nuraghi, an ancient tribe which occupied the island three to four thousand years ago. Colli del Limbara refers to the area around Mount Limbara, a rocky granitic massif in north-east Sardinia.
2017 Agripunica Isola dei Nuraghi IGP Montessu (11D, Sino Vantage Asia Ltd., $200) 60% Carignano 10% Syrah 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc 10% Merlot. 2016 Agripunica Isola dei Nuraghi IGP Barrua (11E, Sino Vantage Asia Ltd., $390) 85% Carignano 10% Cabernet Sauvignon 5% Merlot.
Map of Venetian territories at its height of power
2020 Argiolas Carignano del Sulcis DOC Cardanera (17C, Watsonʼs Wine, $138) 100% Carignano. Better known as Carignan in France, Carignano is most likely of Spanish origin. Both wines come from Sulcisatthesouth-westcornerofSardinia. IandʼAgata refers to Sulcis as the worldʼs best site for Carignano.
2014 Fantinel Tenuta SantʼHelena Collio DOC Rosso Venko (1B, Amorosso Fine Wines Limited, $224) 50% Merlot 40% Cabernet Franc 10% Pinot Nero. Part of the Merlot underwent drying with appassimento technique.
2013 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Nessuno (16C, Vino Veritas Asia Limited., $165) 45% Bovale Sardo 45% Cannonau 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
2020 I Clivi Venezia Giulia IGP Schioppettino (4D, Certa Platform, $211) 100% Schioppettino. One of Italyʼs most noble red grapes, Schioppettino is typified by flavours of blackcurrant, aromatic herbs, and green pepper notes.
2016 Tenute Olbios Colli del Limbara IGP Can Grande (16D, Vino Veritas Asia Limited., $185) 70% Bovale Sardo 30% Cannonau.
2015 Casella Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Tazzelenghe (10D, Salotto Lounge Ltd., $480) 100% Tazzelenghe. The grape Tazzelenghe gets its name from the Friulian word “tace-lenghe” which means “cut the tongue”, a reference to the varietyʼs laser-like acidity and tannin clout.
Two wines from the grape Bovale Sardo (locally known as Muristellu, genetically related to Graciano). Tenute Olbios famously won the Vinitaly “Can Grande” award
14
2016 Kante Venezia Giulia IGP Terrano (13D, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd., $230) 100% Terrano. In early twentieth century, FVG females were given from time to time a glass of Teran to ward off anemia. It was always believed that Teran, grown on terra rossa soil, encouraged “good blood” due to its strong iron content.
2017 Inama Colli Berici DOC Carminium (11C, Sino Vantage Asia Ltd., $300) 100% Carménère. Colli Berici is located a few kilometers South-East of the Soave hills. How did CarménèrearriveinnortheasternItaly? Itwasprobably brought to this area by travelers who went to France for the harvest season in the second half of the 19th century.
2012 Valentino Butussi Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Rosso di Corte (3B, BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd., $395) A blend of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is FVGʼs best-known and most-planted native red grape variety, and was named after its red stalks. Veneto
2017 Zyme Veneto IGP Kairos (2B, Bottega del Vino HK, $500) From 15 different grapes, 11 red and 4 white. Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay,Corvina,Corvinone,Rondinella,Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Teroldego, Croatina, Oseleta, Sangiovese, Marzemino. In ancient Greek, Kairos means “appropriate, at the right moment”.
The della Scala family, or the Scaligeri, was the ruling family of Verona and mainland Veneto (besides Venice) from 1262 to 1387. La Serenissima took over the territories in 1405, and ruled until the end of the 18th century when Napoleon conquered Venice and ceded it to Austria in exchange for Belgium and Lombardia.
2016 Caʼ Rugate Valpolicella DOC Superiore Campo Lavei (15C, Vignette du Vin Limited, $275) 45% Corvina 40% Corvinone 15% Rondinella . From Montecchia di Crosara and undried grapes. 2017 Cecilia Beretta Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore Terre di Cariano (6A, Corney & Barrow Hong Kong Limited, $110) 60% Corvina 20% Corvinone 20% Rondinella. From San Pietro in Cariano. 2018 Zenato Valpolicella Ripasso DOC (7C, EMW (HK) Trading Ltd., $225) 85% Corvina 10% Rondinella 5% Corvinone. A classic Ripasso. Refermented with Amarone pomace for 7 days.
Scaliger castle of Soave
Map of Valpolicella and its sub regions
15
Amarone della Valpolicella
2015 Valentino Butussi Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Verduzzo Friulano 500 ml (3E, BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd., $285) 100% Verduzzo Friulano. 35% dried by appassimento, the rest air dried on the vines. Aged party in barriques. A wine with flavours of apricot, tropical fruit, honey and sweet almond.
2017 Antolini Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Moropio (13E, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd., $360) 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. From Marano di Valpolicella (Valpolicella Classico).
Reference: Ian dʼAgata and Michele Longoʼs The Grapes and Wines of Italy.
2013 Cecilia Beretta Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Terre di Cariano (6B, Corney & Barrow Hong Kong Limited, $290) 60%Corvina25%Rondinella5%Corvinone5%Croatina 5% Oseleta. From San Pietro in Cariano (Valpolicella Classico). 2013 Piccoli Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Monte La Parte (3C, BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd., $638) 40%Corvina30%Corvinone20%Molinara10%Oseleta. From Parona di Valpolicella (Valpolicella). 2016 Speri Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico SantʼUrbano (12C, Summergate Fine Wines & Spirits, $550) 70% Corvina and Corvinone, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara. From Fumane (Valpolicella Classico). 2013 Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva Capitel Monte Olmi (1D, Amorosso Fine Wines Limited, $684) 30% Corvina 30% Corvinone 30% Rondinella 10% Oseleta, Negrara, Dindarella, Croatina and Forselina. From Pedemonte di Valpolicella (Valpolicella Classico). 2011 Terre di Leone Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva (13F, T&A Fine Wine Company Ltd., $750) 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone 20% Molinara 10% Oseleta. From Marano di Valpolicella (Valpolicella Classico) 2015 Tezza Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Valpantena (3D, BuonVino (HK) Co., Ltd., $598) 80% Corvina 20% Rondinella. From Valpantena di Verona (Valpolicella Valpantena). 2015 Zeni 1870 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Barriques (14C, Valdivia 1975 Ltd., $505) A blend of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella. From Valpolicella Classico.
SWEET 2017 Caʼ Rugate Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG LʼEremita 500 ml (15D, Vignette du Vin Limited, $390) 45% Corvina 40% Corvinone 15% Rondinella. Montecchia di Grosara (Valpolicella Valpantena). Dried by appassimento technique for 6 months, aged in barriques. 2019 Possa Cinque Terre DOC Sciacchetrà 375 ml (5C, Possa Cinque Terre DOC Sciacchetrà, $848) 70% Bosco, 30% Rosses Bianco and other local grapes. The rarest and most prestigious wine from the Cinque Terre, Sciacchetrà is a passito style sweet wine, made with air-dried grapes.
16
Special Thanks To The Following Fine Importers
AMOROSSO FINE WINES LTD.
BOTTEGA DEL VINO HK
BUONVINO (HK) CO., LTD
ORDERS@AMOROSSOWINES.COM
ORDER@BOTTEGADELVINO.COM.HK
INFO@BUONVINO.COM.HK
CERTA PLATFORM
CHEESE MEETS WINE LIMITED
CORNEY & BARROW HONG KONG LIMTED
CATERINA.BENETTI@CERTA.COM.HK
HANA@CHEESEMEETSWINE.COM
HONGKONG@CORNEYANDBARROW.COM
G&R WINE AUCTION
EMW (HK) TRADING LTD EVA.MA@EMW-WINES.COM
V.VALENTE@GRWINEAUCTION.COM
KERRY WINES LIMITED BOWIE.LEUNG@KERRYWINES.COM
SALOTTO LOUNGE LTD
SINO VANTAGE ASIA LTD
SUMMERGATE FINE WINES & SPIRITS
FRANCESCO@SALOTTOLOUNGE.COM
HERVE.LEROUX@ SINOVANTAGEWINES.COM
DEVON.CHAN@SUMMERGATE.COM
T&A FINE WINE COMPANY LTD JEANNIE.CHIU@ TAFINEWINES.COM.HK
VALDIVIA 1975
VIGNETTE DU VIN LIMITED
CLAUDIA@VALDIVIAWINES.COM.HK
PAOLO.PONGHELLINI@VIGNETTEDUVIN.COM
FOOD IMPORTER:
VINOVERITAS ASIA LIMITED
THE GROCERY CLUB
CARRIE@VINOVERITAS.BIZ
INFO@THE-GROCERYCLUB.COM
17
The Amazing Thirteen – Vino Condiviso Volunteers! Averardo Borghini Baldovinetti, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits, ONAV Taster, AIS Averardo comes from a family that has been producing wine and olive oil in Tuscany for six centuries. He is a Master of Wine candidate and belongs to the Knights of Alba, ONAV, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Consortium, and Chianti Commission. Justin Chen, DipWSET, IWA, IWS, Certified WSET and VIA Educator, Approved IWS Instructor Justin is a super Italian wine lover and has been very active in promoting Italian wines in Hong Kong. He is a fellow Knight of Alba, and a wine judge of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. He also acts as a regular contributor to Wine & Spirits Magazine on Italian wines. Charles Cheng, DipWSET Charles is the President of HKUST Alumni Wine Association and a member of the Knights of Alba. An Italian wine aficionado, he always wants to wander to drink different wines and eat different food. Dennis Choi, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits Dennis specializes in wine marketing. He is a genuine wine enthusiast who began Italian wine appreciation from an aged Brunello, then swiftly fell in love with the depth of Italian wine and food universe. He is eager to share more of his passion through Vino Condiviso! Thomas Ho, IWS, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits A WSET Diploma candidate, Thomas has been immersing himself in Italian wines since his first trip to Venice and Tuscany in 2006. He has been a part of Vino Condiviso since 2018. Alan Kwok, IWA, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits, Certified VIA Educator A PhD in Chemistry and currently the Master of the Knights of Alba Hong Kong Delegation, Alan is obsessed with introducing the 300+ wonderful Italian native wine grapes to wine lovers. Ben Lai, DipWSET As a fellow Knight of Alba, Ben loves Italian wines for its heritage and diversity, and has participated in Vino Condiviso since its first event in 2018. Josephine Leung, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits With a Master Degree in Anthropology, Josephine has always been curious about the role of wine in the development of civilization, and embarked upon her wine study with WSET and the Italian Wine Scholar. She has visited 9 regions of Italy, as Italy always has a special place in her heart. Enoch Ling, IWA, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits Out of sheer enthusiasm for promoting Italian wines, Enoch has been actively involved with wine events in Hong Kong. He is a Committee Member of the Knights of Alba and is pursuing his WSET Diploma. Yvonne Ou, DipWSET, IWA, IWS, Certified WSET and VIA Educator Yvonne is a doctor by profession, but an Italian wine aficionado at other times. A fellow Knight of Alba, she has been helping with Vino Condiviso since its inception in 2018. She loves the friendly Italians and the Cibo e Vino squisiti. Cammi Sum, IWS, WSET Level 3 Wine & Spirits Cammi is a General Manager with considerable experience in sales and marketing. Her strong devotion in Italian wine led her to pursue Italian Wine Ambassador and Scholar programs, and to become a Committee Member of the Knights of Alba Hong Kong Delegation. She enjoys sharing her passion by writing wine-tasting journals, hosting wine events, and of course, volunteering for Vino Condiviso. Alice Wong, DipWSET, IWA, Certified WSET and VIA Educator Alice is the Deputy Master of the Knights of Alba Hong Kong Delegation, a wine judge at 5StarWines in Italy, and an active part of the Vinitaly International Academy community. In honor of her achievement in promoting Italian wines in Hong Kong, Alice was awarded Hong Kong Living Magazine 50 Influencer in 2020. Lawrence Wong, DipWSET, WSET Certified Educator Lawrence loves Italian wines for its viticultural diversity, with its native grapes unique not only to a single province, but sometimes even to a single town. He has participated in every Vino Condiviso, and is happy to meet new faces every time.
18
@vinocondivisohongkong @vinocondivisohk #vinocondivisohk #consulate_of_italy_hk #beIT