SPIT Journal 2021

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

DRINKS THAT INSPIRE & EXCITE HK IWSC 2021 WINNERS REVEALED Get Spicy with Eddie Nara’s Whisky Pairing Tips Asia Switches-On to Enhanced E-Comm Spotlight on Sake in HK Meet the Winemaker Cleighten Cornelius from Marlborough’s Mud House Full list of award results at hkiwsc.com

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CONTENTS

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Editor's letter

20 Spirits and Sake Winners Whisky blend wins again.

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The world in a wine competition Asia’s top wine and spirits experts gather at Arca to decide Asia’s greatest wine, sake, spirits and beer.

22 Smoke & Spice and All Things Nice Which whisky pairs best with Asian food? Eddie Nara explores the styles to find a match.

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Meet the Judges Introducing Asia’s premier wine experts.

12 Wine Trophy Winners The best of the best.

18 Eyes Wide Shut Triple-blind judging ensures impartiality.

19 Wine Insider Rex Leung on how to build a winning wine list.

24 Green Wine Awards Eco-friendly wines honoured.

32 Scene-Stealing Sake Sake’s popularity is interstellar in Hong Kong. Elliot Faber explains why.

34 Switched On Asia Asian beverage markets are back online, with vastly improved e-commerce and new ways to network.

25 Beer Trophies Raise a toast to our beer winners.

36 HK IWSC Award Winners Complete list of Gold, Silver and Bronze winners.

26 Creating Connections Virtual wine fairs and hybrid tasting events use clever meeting tools to connect.

53 Playing in the Dirt Cleighten Cornelius, senior winemaker at Mud House, New Zealand, sings nature’s praises.

30 Food Pairing Trophies The perfect pairs to elevate Asian menus.

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EDITORIAL TEAM

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WINE DIRECTOR Debra Meiburg MW

WRITERS & CONTENT

MANAGING EDITOR Alex Webster Aranchikov PRODUCTION MANAGER David Li CREATIVE DIRECTOR Pearl Wong FEATURES Shenée Tuck EDITOR Shuk Han Pong

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Eddie Nara Eddie is a renowned spirits industry leader and Whisky & Gin Ambassador lead tutor in Hong Kong. He is Asia’s 1st Certified Spirits Educator accredited by the Society of Wine Educators, an International Spirits judge for IWSC and HKIWSC and an esteemed cocktail judge.

Elliott Fabber Elliot Faber is the Beverage Director for Yardbird, RONIN and Sunday’s Grocery. He is also the founder of Sunday’s Distribution and The Kura Collective. A Certified Sommelier, Advanced Sake Professional and Sake Sumurai, Elliot is a contributing editor to JamesSuckling.com and co-author of SAKE: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan’s Artisanal Breweries.

Shenée Tuck Shenée Tuck is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader who specialises in Asian wine markets, tourism and travel and internal communications. Formerly based in Macau, she currently lives and works in Australia.

COPY EDITOR Katy Li

PHOTOGRAPHERS Casper Lee Casper Lee photographer and videographer based in Hong Kong for the past decade.

SUBSCRIPTIONS spitjournal@mwminternational.com

William Leung William Leung is a Hong Kong-based freelance photographer and filmmaker who specialises in documentary photography. He is also a photographer and writer for Fitz • Get Moving magazine.

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

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his too shall pass”. I’m sure it is a phrase we’ve all heard repeatedly over the last 18-24 months as we navigate the course of this rollercoaster pandemic. So, as we in Hong Kong “see the light” at the end of a very challenging tunnel, I feel there are some things that we should hold tight to and not wish the passing of – the solidarity, camaraderie and cooperation of Hong Kong’s robust wine trade for one! While we as an industry thrived in the pre-Covid era – business booming and busy because of it – this “pause” in time has allowed us to regroup, review and improve.

Now, we are ready for recovery. We know it’s close. And we know it will be big!

Editor's Letter

This issue explores some of the key advances made in our industry during this Covid-19 era – tech, consumption trends and key evolutions in the industry. We also peek farther afield into the region. How have our nearest neighbours processed and pivoted with the pandemic?

One thing that has been noticeably absent globally has been the ubiquitous wine fair. While reduced versions of these longheralded hallmarks of our industry have begun returning to the calendar recently, it is certainly an area which has received much attention from those seeking alternative settings to do business.

As we know, in this industry, nothing beats the smell, taste and texture of a real-life tasting. Especially with the winery itself. Can anything really replace a real, live fair? We hope you enjoy our round up of virtual fairs and they may offer food for thought on alternative ways to do business in the future.

Away from the rollercoaster, soak up our sake feature story. Thanks to long-time HK IWSC judge and Sake Samurai Elliot Faber, we’ve gotten a taste of how sake is making waves in Hong Kong and why we have a particularly conducive setting for sake to soar. Also, in this issue, veteran HK IWSC judge and Whisky Ambassador Eddie Nara explores the art of food pairing with whisky – welltimed, given the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition introduced whisky and Asian food pairing for the first time in 2021.

Speaking of which, we’ve dedicated a good part of this issue to the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.

With a 2021 theme of “Reboot Asia”, it was incredible to see the near-normal judging week in September, with us all assembled together in one large judging room – and even the return of Test Your Palate consumer tasting evenings.

From Masters of Wine, sommeliers, to wine and spirit writers, educators and critics, to importers and F&B professionals – and even distillers – a deep and diverse cross-section of voices and experts cast their unbiased judgements on a huge line-up of global wine, spirits, sake and beer. In this issue, we celebrate the winners in wine, spirits, beer and sake who have emerged victorious. We hope to see them in person in 2022 and that they may share their first-class beverages with us all.

We hope you enjoy this issue of SPIT Journal – stay well, connected and hydrated as we enter a new year ahead ahead!

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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JUDING WEEK 2021 SPIT JOURNAL 2021

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his year’s Cathay Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition again brought together Hong Kong's top wine and spirits experts to decide the best wine and spirits for restaurant and hotel guests and, more recently, home entertainers. There are many competitions globally, but none are committed to delivering culturally appropriate guidance on wine, sake, spirits and beer to Asian drinkers like the Cathay HK IWSC. Led by Debra Meiburg MW, the first Asian-based Master of Wine, the HK IWSC is the sister competition of London’s IWSC. Wine Consultant for Cathay Airways and Chair of the Education Committee for the Institute of Masters of Wine, Debra is first and foremost an educator. This year, she convened a panel of 51 of Hong Kong’s most-renowned wine experts to discern hundreds of wines and spirits. The judges (many of whom are award-winning sommeliers) selected prize-winning wines that acknowledge Asian tastes and help guide buying decisions at the region’s top restaurants, hotels, bars and retailers.

In a competition first, HK IWSC 2021 also welcomed a guest VIP international wine judge at-large, Cleighten Cornelius, senior winemaker at Mud House, New Zealand. Cleighten is an admired international winemaker, viticulturalist and oenologist who has trained in Europe at Chambolle-Musigny (France), Rheingau (Germany), and Cyprus. Cleighten welcomed the judges each morning and led the calibration tasting with Debra Meiburg MW from his home base in New Zealand.

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TASTE MASTERS

This year, entries were received from as near as Hong Kong and China and as far away as Venezuela. The entries were judged first on their own, and then many were also judged in the food and wine pairing category. All judging took place at brand new hotel, the Arca, Wong Chuk Hang, with everyone back in one large judging room again creating a collegiate group atmosphere, just the way the judges like it. The busy backroom was overseen by David Li and his meticulous team, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to carefully plan, organise and lay out bottles and glasses, and keep track of judges’ scores.

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SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Also keeping track of judges were members of the public, who were welcomed back to HK IWSC’s Test Your Palate. This much-loved, highly anticipated event gives Hong Kong wine lovers a peek behind the competition curtain and encourages them to mingle with professional wine judges.

In this booklet, you can discover the trends that will guide Asia’s top beverage professionals in 2022 and beyond and drive their selections on drinks lists in the months ahead.

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MEET THE JUDGES

Chair of Judges

Debra Meiburg MW

Wine Panel Chairs

Director, HK IWSC & Meiburg Wine Media

Master of Wine

Sarah Heller MW Proprietor Heller Beverage Advisory

Rebecca Leung

Sarah Wong

General Manager HIP Cellar & AnOther Place

Wine & Spirit Journalist / Educator / Consultant Wine is Beautiful Consultancy

Wine Columnist South China Morning Post

Tersina Shieh

Spirit Panel Chairs

Mabel Lai Principal Lecturer Hong Kong Wine Academy

Wine Panel Chairs

Anty Fung

Ron Taylor Independent Wine & Spirit Educator

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Beer Panel Chairs

Spirit Panel Chairs

Wine Marketer, Winemaker & Columnist

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Wine Panel Chairs

INTRODUCING THE EXPERTS

Charlene Dawes

Darren Hosie

Eddie Nara

Managing Director & Owner Tastings Group

Business Development Manager, Asia Pacific Forsyths Scotland

Spirits Educator & Consultant Barrel Concepts

Kenneth Ho

Warren Yu

Wilson Liu

Co-owner CAVE the Beer Point

Bar Manager Blue Supreme

Founder Beer Geeks Generation

Wine Judges

Billy Yeung

Bojan Radulovic

Cherish Ho

Artiste/ Celebrity Winemaker Bellavizio Wines

Sommelier Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Deputy General Manager Links Concept

Head Sommelier Island Shangri-La

Corinne Mui

Danny Ng

Davy Leung

Derek Li

Wine Educator & Writer CorVino Wine School

Beverage Manager American Club

Director Aquaseason Professionals

Group Sommelier JIA Group

Wine Judges

Wine Judges

Bernice Liu

Jeremy Stockman

Justin Chen

Juwan Kim

Chief Sommelier Forum Restaurant 1977

Managing Director Watson’s Wine

Wine Educator MWM Wine School

Head Sommelier LPM Restaurant & Bar

Ling Cheong

Marie-Paule Herman

Phenol Mak

Philip Wong

Group Sommelier Maximal Concepts

Head Sommelier Black Sheep Restaurants

Wine Consultant Wine Matters

Wine Judges

Jacky Luk

Business Development Manager - China WSET Asia Pacific

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Wine Judges

Srdjan Damjanic

Head Sommelier OBH F&B Group

Assistant Manager Wine & Spirits Cathay Pacific Airways

Hotel Sommelier Kowloon Shangri-La

Yvonne Ou

Matt Hui

Micky Chan

Will Jarvis

Principal Educator Sommelier Education Centre

Principal Lecturer Hong Kong Wine Academy

Owner & Founder Sake Matters

Spirit Judges

Wine Educator

Sake Judges

Ronald Khoo

Head Sommelier Hansik Goo and Whey

Wine & Sake Judges

Ringo Lam

Wine Judges

Rex Leung

Devender Kumar

Dimple Yuen

Kit Cheung

Head of Spirits Northeast Wines & Spirits

Hotel Beverage Manager The Aubrey, Mandarin Oriental

Head Distiller Two Moons Distillery

Gin Maker Sober or Blotto Perfume Trees Gin

Masahiko Endo

Masayuki Kishibe (Uchida)

Nic Law

Samuel Kwok

Bartender in Chief Mizunara: The Library

Director / Bartender BUTLER Cocktail Bar

Founder N.I.P.

Senior Beverage Consultant P&A Beverage Development

Spirit Judges

Amir Javaid

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Beer Judges

Carol Leung

Freeman Ho

Irene Tiu

Founder Beer Geeks Generation

Social Media Consultant HK Brewcraft

Whisky Specialist Rare Finds Worldwide Brewing Tutor HK Brewcraft

Hong Kong Manager Ritual.co

Beer Judges

Ben Ng

Jadus Yan

Nick Ho

Founder Tipsy Tap

Founder Beer Geeks Generation

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Wine Trophy Winners 2021 Trophies are awarded to the best of the best. Wines with the highest marks in each category undergo a second tasting to compete for the national and international trophies. This follows a rigorous blind-tasting process performed by segregated panels of judges who are presented with flights of beverages organised by region, area, variety, style, type, vintage and age.

BEST RED WINE FROM AUSTRALIA

BEST WHITE WINE FROM AUSTRALIA

BEST CABERNET BLENDS

BEST WINE FROM AUSTRALIA

Peccavi Wines Peccavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Margaret River, Australia Intensely perfumed with a dense core of red and black fruits. Subtle notes of dried herbs, oak and graphite. Well-balanced tannins with a smooth, silky texture and rich finish. @peccaviwines

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BEST CHARDONNAY Pinnacle Drinks Vandemonian Coal River Valley Tasmania Chardonnay 2020 Tasmania, Australia Lemon hued with subtle aromas of white peach and hints of grapefruit, melon and vanilla spice. Medium intensity palate with mouth filling white stone fruit and delightful acidity that develops into a long lingering finish.

BEST WINE FROM AUSTRIA BEST GRÜNER VELTLINER Laurenz V - Laurenz Five Fine Wine Singing Grüner Veltliner by Laurenz V. 2020 Kamptal, Austria Floral perfume with a refreshing zip on the tongue, this wine is elegant and finessed.

Lively, harmonious fruit with a rewarding finish that sings on the palate Importer: Regis Wine / Aqua Wine @LAURENZfive

BEST WINE FROM CASTILLA Y LEÓN OF SPAIN BEST TEMPRANILLO ICE JCYL Bodegas Y Viñedos Rauda Musai de Tinto Roa 2014 Castilla y Leon, Spain Harvested at optimum maturity and aged for 15 months in French and American oak, sweet caramel flavours shine through on the palate, supported by acidity and berry fruit, with savoury tannins to lengthen the finish.

Vinos De Rauda

BEST WINE FROM GEORGIA BEST WINE FROM FRANCE BEST PINOT NOIR VIVANT Wines SAS Château de Pommard Clos MareyMonge Micault 2019 Burgundy, France

Lopota Château Buera Kisi Qvevri Reserve 2018 Kakheti, Georgia Full-bodied with ripe white fruit perfume, this tannic amber wine has distinctive, pronounced aromas. @chateaubuera

A minimally oaked, elegant wine. Deep ruby colour with aromas of red fruit, rose and spice hints. Jubilant, refreshing red fruit is balanced by lacy tannins. Delicious now and will evolve over 10 years. @chateaudepommard

BEST WINE FROM ITALY Villa Canestrari Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 'Dieci Anni' 2010 Veneto, Italy Rich with deep spice and dried fruit aromas, this full-flavoured wine is gifted with a very long finish. @villacanestrari

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BEST WINE FROM JAPAN Tsuno Wine Tsuno Wine Makiuchi Vineyard Onoshita Estate Chardonnay #5 2020 Miyazaki, Japan Sweet apricot mouthfeel with soft acidity and fruity aromas that spread in the glass over time. Well-balanced between sweet and sour, the refreshing lemon finish has a pleasant bitterness. @tsunowine

BEST WINE FROM PORTUGAL Casa Ermelinda Freitas-Vinhos Vinha do Fava Reserva 2020 Peninsula de Setubal, Portugal

BEST WINE FROM NEW ZEALAND Saint Clair Family Estate Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir 2020 Marlborough, New Zealand Perfumed aromatics with lifted fresh berry notes and complex spicy aromas.

Full-bodied and elegant flavours of red cherries, red currants and cream. A smooth palate of toasty oak, vanilla and spice leads to a long finish.

Importers: Watsons Wine (Hong Kong) Aussino (China) Pieroth (Japan) Shinsegae L&B (South Korea) @saintclairfamilyestate

Sweetly spiced aromas of intense black cherry and plum. Spice continues on the palate with richly textured black fruit and cassis flavours. @ermelindawines

Award-winning Vintages Vinha do Fava Reserva 2018 was a HK IWSC Gold award winner in 2020

Award-winning Vintages Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir was an HK IWSC Silver award winner in 2019 & 2020

BEST WINE FROM USA Constellation Brands Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel-Aged Red Blend 2018 California, USA Ripe aromas of boysenberry and black cherry spiced with nutmeg, cinnamon and gingerbread. Hints of sweet mesquite smoke, tobacco and barley. Ripe fruit flavours are intensified by rich tannins and a smoky finish.

BEST WINE FROM SOUTH AFRICA DGB Old Road Wine Co. Grande-Mère Semillon 2017 Franschhoek, South Africa Layers of tropical fruit and candied citrus unfold on the palate. Elegant and refined with pear, kumquat and sweet exotic spice for a textured mouthfeel. Defined fruit balanced by mouth-watering acidity and a lingering minerality. @OldRoadWineCo

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Importers: Jebsen Fine Wine

BEST WINE FROM SPAIN BEST FORTIFIED WINE Emilio Lustau Lustau Almacenista Antonio Caballero y Sobrinos Amontillado del Castillo Andalucia, Spain Dry, pungent, flavoursome and refreshing.

Aromas of hazelnut praline and candied orange zest, against a nuanced background of furniture polish and smoked wood. Nutty with a delicious salty spice and long finish. @BodegasLustauEn

BEST DESSERT WINE Kracher Fine Wine Kracher Fine Wine Beerenauslese Cuvee 2017 Burgenland, Austria White peach and honeydew aromas allude to stone fruit, citrus, mandarin and ripe peach flavours. Palate balanced by elegant acid, which culminates in a lingering finish.

Importers: Wine Warrior / Two more glasses @weinlaubenhofkracher

BEST INDIGENOUS GRAPE SAPERAVI Lopota Château Buera Saperavi Reserve 2018 Kakheti, Georgia Dark pomegranate hue with pronounced aromas of dark berry fruit and roasted spice, lifted by delicate floral notes. @chateaubuera

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BEST SAKE Berry Bros. & Rudd Katsuyama Sensho Masamune Junmai Daiginjo Miyaki, Japan Light-bodied and dry with a complex mid-palate. Polished floral notes and candy floss aromas.

Importers: Berry Bros. & Rudd @berrybrosruddhk

BEST RIESLING Award-winning Vintages Katsuyama Sensho Masamune Junmai Daiginjo was a HK IWSC Gold award winner in 2020

The Gilbert Family Wine G+G Single Vineyard Riesling 2015 Eden Valley, Australia Pale straw colour with traces of green alludes to the apple blossom and citrus zest aromas. Minerality provides balance for a refreshing, acidic finish.

Importers: H&L’s Union (Taiwan) Gilbert (China) Colonial Trade Co. (Japan) @gilbertfamilywines Award-winning Vintages The Gilbert Family Wine G+G Single Vineyard Riesling 2015 in 2020 was the HK IWSC Best Wine From Australia & Best White Wine From Australia in 2020

BEST SPARKLING WINE Ca' di Rajo Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut Veneto, Italy Elegant, complex bouquet with notes of banana, pineapple, wildflowers and bread. Harmonious apple and pear fruit, with good body and a delicate dryness. @cadirajo.wines

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BEST SAUVIGNON BLANC

BEST SHIRAZ/SYRAH

Kono Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Marlborough, New Zealand

Gypsy Hub Concrete & Clay Reserve Shiraz 2020 Victoria, Australia

Pure and bright with a fruity nose of citrus. Lemon and guava combine with currant leaf and bell pepper on the palate.

Slight residual sweetness is balanced by mineral acidity. Crisp and fresh with a dry, persistent finish.

Vibrant cool climate shiraz with floral aromas, fresh wild berries and a hint of toasted oak. Deeply coloured and fullbodied with a background of pepper spices.

@konowines

@concreteandclayaustralia

Award-winning Vintages Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 was a HK IWSC Silver award winner in 2020

Our sincere thanks to KPMG who reviewed all our results to ensure accuracy, fairness and transparency.

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Eyes Wide Shut The Cathay HK IWSC is Asia's only double-blind tasting competition.

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Despite the best of intentions, even professionals find it challenging to be completely impartial. Double-blind tasting removes prejudice, favourable or unfavourable, making it the most honest form of tasting. If, for example, a wine was identified as a bordeaux first growth, or served from a clearly defined bottle shape, even the most practised judge might be swayed.

HK IWSC prevents bias by pouring wines in the back room, which is off-limits to judges during judging. The only identifying feature on the glass is a number. The wine is what it is—nothing more, nothing less — judges do not know its name or brand, just its context (region, grape, and vintage). This context is important, so judges are comparing like with like and not a French burgundy against a Californian zinfandel.

With judges left using only their palates as a guide, HK IWSC entries receive a fair critique.

This creates opportunities for amazing wines, sakes, spirits and beers to shine, and for some surprising award winners to emerge.

WINE INSIDER

Rex Leung, Head Sommelier of Hansik Goo and Whey, shares his secrets to building one of the city’s best wine lists.

What do you look for when choosing wines to be part of a wine list?

The first word that comes to mind is uniqueness. The sommelier’s priority is to make sure each guest’s experience is unique and memorable. Guests can obtain most wines themselves, no matter the price, where to buy, country of origin and so on simply by using a smart device. BYOB, however, is a practice that sommeliers hate! If guests are bringing their own wines, a sommelier must selfreflect and ask themselves—did I perform all aspects of my job as perfectly as possible, from sourcing and service to creating a special experience?

What are the latest trends on wine lists?

Balance is the key. Wine lists should include both safe and adventurous wines. Guests come to our restaurants for different occasions—guests at a business meeting don’t have much time to peruse the wine list, so they might prefer to order something safe (shiraz, chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot) to ensure the meal is happy and the meeting runs smoothly. On the other hand, there are guests who come to be surprised and impressed. We need to wow these guests with great choices. Making sure sommeliers have a range of weapons in our arsenal is wiser than playing to only one type of guest.

side tasting maximised the guest experience and let them vote for the one they liked more.

A sommelier is basically a walking talking drinking wine encyclopaedia. What do you see as the most important skills a sommelier should have besides beverage knowledge?

Maximising guest enjoyment through our knowledge is way more important than memorising possible exam questions. Nothing is greater than guests who leave the restaurant happy and return regularly. Examine each guest’s needs and perform your role as a valuable, humble member of the service team.

What advice do you have for aspiring or new sommeliers?

Be humble and be honest. That is what my mentor Mr. John Chan, Director of Wine in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, told me when we first met. Our reputations are enhanced by the people who work around us. No one wants to work with or for someone who is arrogant.

At the end of the day, we are a server. We can impart great stories about the wines we serve and suggest the best wines to pair with a meal. But we can also learn from every experience. Every guest is an opportunity to improve and grow as a great server.

What are Hongkongers ordering at restaurants?

People have started to drink different styles at home since the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, their knowledge and palates have evolved and orders have become more challenging. At my former workplace, a couple came in and requested a recommendation; they wanted a French wine but a unique grape variety. Ultimately, it was a Corsica Sciacarello that made them happy. Another important trend is value for money, even with fine wines. Guests are happier to spend money on good wine when they see something great and it’s also value for money.

What is your approach to matching food and wine?

Food and wine pairing is a sommelier's signature. I am inspired

by Mr. Wallace Lo AS, co-owner of the Somm Philosophy, who believes food and wine pairing should be something out of the box, adventurous but also romantic. Why should we play it safe or follow something that’s already written in a textbook? Why not pair a lightly-oaked Saumur-Champigny Rouge with poached Turbot in Beurre Cancalaise sauce? Or two South African reds with slowcooked lamb loin—the more commercial Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block alongside the Craven Cinsault which is a trendy natural wine. Both wines are beautiful and delicious; the side-by-

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Spirit & Sake Trophies The continuing expansion of fine and rare drams in the spirits category reflects Asia's enduring love affair with scotch, whisky and gin.

BEST BOURBON

BEST COGNAC

Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey USA

Courvoisier Napoleon Fine Champagne Cognac, France

Pastoral aromas of baled hay and pumpkin seeds with notes of ripe stone and caramel corn. Initial spice and boldness mellows into maple flavours. Long, rich finish that lingers on the palate with vanilla notes.

Delicate, subtle cigar box bouquet, with sandalwood derived from contact between cognac and barrel.

Dried apricot on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and mellow with mushroom hints. Tender and stylish with a long finish.

@unclenearest

Importer: Wine World / Costa Wine @CourvoisierCognac.fc

BEST CONTEMPORARY GIN MCG Inc. Keyaki Japan Rich yuzu aromas on the palate followed by strong juniper flavours.

Coriander seed and grape skins provide the base note, bringing the bright flavours together. Green tea leaves add a dash of bitterness to the tight finish.

BEST LIQUEUR Gypsy Hub Artillery Oolong Gin Tea Australia

BEST GIN BEST LONDON DRY GIN RT Legacy Spirit Distilling Co Marie Classic Dry Gin Australia Juniper-forward classic dry gin with a blood orange base. Fresh ginger, turmeric and cassia produce a warm, signature dryness. @LegacySpiritCo

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Strong juniper flavour with floral aromas and a toasty finish. Pour long over ice and garnish with fruit or herbs. @GypsyHubAustralia

BEST RUM Polini Group Higuana 12 Cuba Soft and warm after 12 years of ageing in oak barrels. Spicy references with toasted notes.

Sweet, spicy scents of vanilla honey and caramel, contrast with notes of tobacco and black pepper.

Two Consecutive year winner for Best Scotch Whisky

@polinidistillati

BEST SHOCHU Social unlimited limited The Hachi Imo Shochu Cask Matured Japan Fragrant like a fresh sparkling wine.

Subtly sweet with fruit, muscatel and lychee aromas. Creaming soda and fresh mint sprinkled with cloves and cardamom develop into dark chocolate with a hint of oak.

Importer: Mizunara: The Shop @Mizunara.The.Shop

BEST VODKA Australian Distilling Co. Vodka Australia

BEST SCOTCH WHISKY Berry Bros. & Rudd Classic Range Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Scotland Carefully selected blend of casks from some iconic distilleries.

A balanced, complex and distinguished smoky dram. Bouquet of peat with beautifully integrated orchard fruit and tar. Full, approachable, creamy palate with sweetness followed by a long, lingering peat smoke finish.

Importer: Berry Bros. & Rudd @berrybrosruddhk

A smooth, elegant spirit handcrafted from the purest Australian grain distilled through a carbon filter using pristine spring water. @australiandistillingcoau

BEST WORLDWIDE WHISKY/WHISKEY AF Trade Limited Sakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky 1st Release Cask Strength Japan Orange and bitter chocolate aromas set the scene for a sweet vanilla palate with smoky undertones, subtle spiciness and moderate bitterness.

Deep sweetness balanced by a woody, smoky aftertaste.

Importer: AF Trade shop @sakuraodistillery

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SMOKE AND

SPICE

& ALL THINGS NICE

EDDIE NARA CSE Spirits Educator & Consultant Barrel Concepts (HK)

By Eddie Nara

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he best food and drink pairings are a perfect marriage of flavours and sensations. Eddie Nara explores Asian food and whisky pairings and his recommendations reveal that a complementary match might mean veiling flavours and textures, or encouraging them to the surface.

Served neat, the whisky is powerful, but the spectrum of whisky flavours is as broad as that of wine. When seeking a set, the dram’s power should not overwhelm the menu but create delectable harmonies of taste and feeling. Whiskies range from light to intense; fruity to rich; dry to peaty; and single malt to smooth blends.

Peated whisky is the most versatile style when it comes to Asian food. “The spicy (pepper, cinnamon and ginger) characters of certain whiskies complement spicy Southeast Asian food,” Nara said. “Some peated whiskies are salty, which enhances the freshness of delicate shellfish, such as oysters for example.

Peated or smoky whisky with seafood, like plain blanched shrimp, is one of my favourite pairings.”

The ability of whisky’s high alcohol strength to cut through oiliness is a strength when it comes to pairing it with Chinese food

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“The ability of whisky’s high alcohol strength to cut through oiliness on the palate is a strength when it comes to pairing it with Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese food,” Nara said. And where wine pairing is challenged by banquet menus, whisky works well. “When preparing a tasting menu, it’s not necessary to pair each dish with a different whisky, instead group two to three dishes with one whisky,” he suggests.

Whisky can also be used as an ingredient in cooking. “Add a few drops of peated whisky to a fishy Chinese soup to help moderate the seafood flavour,” Nara recommends.

To enhance certain flavours, let protein and flavour profile be your guide. Char siu is best paired with sweet whiskies, and pork knuckle in red braising sauce makes a great combination with single malt Japanese whisky Kanosuke, First Edition 2021 (cask strength), Nara said.

Sherry cask whisky goes well with roast meat, steak or satay skewers and premium blended whisky, such as Johnnie Walker Blue Label, pairs nicely with yakitori. “Certain whiskies have meaty flavour profiles,” Nara points out.

Some whisky characteristics can bring balance to Asian food pairings. “Whisky’s vanilla character helps make it a successful drink to pair with many Asian cuisines because vanilla is a character we don’t normally find in Asian dishes.”

According to Nara, spicier is superior when it comes to chilli heat in Asian food, and alcohol level plays a role here. “High proof whiskies like 50%+ abv can magnify the chilli spice of a dish, whereas a fruity style will subdue the spice.”

Whisky’s vanilla character helps make it a successful drink to pair with many Asian cuisines

Desserts are another dish that can pair well with certain whiskies, elevating a nightcap from average to exceptional.

“Whiskies with sweet, rich fruit and chocolate characters are a good match with western desserts, although I believe bourbon is a better match with Chinese and Asian desserts.”

The impact of whisky on a menu can be restrained by how it is drunk. “Whisky doesn’t have to be drunk neat. In Japan, a whisky pairing will normally be served in a highball glass, on the ‘rocks’ or mizuwari (cut with water). And whisky’s strength and effect are offset by taking small sips.”

As with any pairing, the choice comes down to personal preference. Smoky styles can offset saltiness while a peaty style will balance a seafood dish. Sweeter styles can complement roasted and barbecued meat or enhance rich desserts.

When partnering up, don’t be intimidated by whisky’s spirit strength. Discover different flavour combinations or consider dilution as a solution to make the relationship work.

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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GREEN AWARDS Honours for eco-friendly drinks

Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2019 Burgundy, France

Weingut Gesellmann Chardonnay Ried Steinriegel 2018 Burgenland , Austria

Weingut Gesellmann Blaufränkisch Hochberc 2018 Burgenland , Austria

Feingeisterei 5 Continents Gin Germany

Herno Gin Distillery Hernö Old Tom Gin Sweden

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Herno Gin Distillery Hernö Pink BTL Gin Sweden

Beer Trophies

Raise a toast to Asia’s greatest brews BEST BEER BEST PORTER / STOUT Young Master Brewery Tamjai Samgor Wula Stout Hong Kong Bold, smoky and spicy, this dark beer is inspired by the umami flavours of Tamjai SamGor’s Wula soup base. Malt balances the charred pepper and chillies in the roasty, chocolate stout. @YoungMasterAles

BEST PALE ALE Young Master Brewery Classic Pale Ale Hong Kong Just enough malty richness, paired with a thirst-quenching blend of North American and Australian hops. Dry hopping and late additions bring out the beer’s fruity, floral character.

Award-winning Vintages Young Master Brewery Classic Pale Ale HK IWSC Trophy award winner in 2019 @YoungMasterAles

BEST IPA

BEST SPECIALTY

Carbon Brews Like The Wind Hong Kong

Young Master Brewery Dolce & Banana Hong Kong

A robust American IPA with a malt backbone. Pale yellow in colour and bursting with mango, orange and peach aromas with grapefruit undertones and a little dankness. Palate is dominated by citrus and pine with a dry, crisp finish.

Caramel, cream, chocolate and banana flavours. A rich, indulgent dessert-style stout, reminiscent of banoffee pie. @YoungMasterAles

@CarbonBrews

BEST PALE LAGER

BEST SOUR

Carbon Brews Earth People Hong Kong

Young Master Brewery Luna Hong Kong Well-balanced between fruitiness and acidity with a quirky funk from wild yeast.

Primary fermentation takes place in a foeder (Asia’s first) and the beer is then aged for one year in American oak.

Clean, crisp and balanced with dry hop to create more flavour than a mainstream lager. @CarbonBrews

@YoungMasterAles

BEST WHEAT Young Master Brewery Fleeting Clouds Hong Kong Delightfully smooth and refreshing, this wheat beer is infused with mandarin peel and scented with freshly ground coriander seeds. Hazy-gold hued with a pillowy mouthfeel and citrus effervescence. @YoungMasterAles

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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CREATING CONNECTIONS

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A

dversity breeds innovation and the past two years have shown us that wine people are a creative bunch. Virtual wine expos and hybrid tasting events burst onto the scene in 2020, revolutionising marketing plans and reaching new customers through clever combinations of talent, technology and meeting tools.

The most progressive wine organisations found themselves at the epicentre of a drive for connectivity between wine companies and overseas customers at a time when sales teams were grounded.

Supporters say these new formats have applications for traditional tradeshows too, complementing physical attendance with virtual participation.

In October 2020, Milano Wine Week (MWW) pioneered a hybrid exhibition style that connected its main event in Milan, Italy to several key international markets through livestreaming technology. In October 2021, MWW expanded to 11 international cities in seven countries via Zoom. The event uses online meetings to deliver professionally tutored “live” tastings to overseas wine professionals in the USA, Canada, Russia, China, Japan and Hong Kong.

An epic nine-day event, Milano Wine Week is held each year in October with the aim of promoting Milan and Italian wine culture to the world. It attracts 10,000 people to 300 physical events in Palazzo Bovara, Milan.

Federico Gordini, President of MWW, said the 2020 event welcomed a further 3,000 overseas wine professionals by broadcasting internationally.

This October, members of the Hong Kong trade were treated to live tastings, supplemented by livestreamed and on-demand masterclasses conducted by producers, oenologists and expert speakers. MWW’s interactive digital platform allows attendees to pre-register and plan their personalised schedules ahead of time. Gordini said the event’s success has proved the new format is a sustainable addition to MWW’s international events programme.

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ACCESSIBLE FESTIVAL Hong Kong’s Wine & Dine Festival switched to virtual experiences and online offers in late 2020. Going virtual meant the festival could be extended to run over five weeks from midNovember to mid-December. The experiences and promotions helped hospitality businesses that were hit hard during the pandemic.

Local and global audiences were invited to free livestreamed masterclasses by celebrity wine experts, James Suckling and Debra Meiburg MW, and master mixologist Jay Khan. The “dine” programme featured fine dining, healthy eating and food plating classes. In the Lady’s Talk session, influencers and experts Sarah Heller MW, sake sommelier Jamie Lo, and actress turned winemaker Bernice Liu joined baker Shirley Kwok and chef Vicky Lau to share their stories.

The virtual trade show allowed us to reach hundreds of members of the trade in dozens of markets that we wouldn’t have reached otherwise Napa Valley Vintners BROAD FOCUS France-based virtual wine fair Hopwine began developing its digital education and remote tasting platform in 2018 as a partnership between bottle sampling solution Vinovae and speciality wine communicator Tyméo.

Pine Ridge Vineyards was one of 23 Napa Valley wineries represented at Hopwine. Export manager Abigail Smyth said the virtual wine fair enabled Pine Ridge to present its wines to new people in more markets than they would otherwise have been able to during the pandemic.

Established to qualify contacts remotely before wineries commit to physical meetings and international travel plans, Hopwine found itself in the propitious position of having a ready-made solution to the wine world’s international travel woes in 2021.

Virtual wine fairs will now become part of Pine Ridge’s marketing suite, supplementing its traditional tradeshow budget. “Hopwine introduced us to a good number of people, some of whom were unlikely to attend the major international tradeshows,” Smyth said.

Hopwine’s model is centred on four main events per year and participation is open to all wine companies and countries.

Meetings for 2022 will be held in January, February, March and April and are limited to 200 places per event. Additional offcalendar events can be scheduled at a customer’s request.

Hopwine can be livestreamed over a variety of platforms, including WeChat, but the company’s major innovation is Vinovae’s bottle sampling solution, which repackages wines into 2cl or 4cl samplers that are shipped globally to qualified contacts who attend. (Customs restrictions currently prevent shipping to China and India.)

Napa Valley Vintners was a featured pavilion at Hopwine 2021. “Hopwine was an innovative and tech-forward solution to connecting wineries with interested trade and importers,” said Connor Best, director of global marketing at Napa Valley Vintners. “While nothing can replace in-person meetings and relationship building, the virtual trade show allowed us to reach hundreds of members of the trade in dozens of markets that we wouldn’t have reached otherwise.”

NVV were also able to provide valuable appellation education to help overseas trade learn about the region and sell their wines.

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“We learned a lot from our participation and look forward to participating in other innovative programs in the future,” Best said.

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Ingenuity optimised the wine industry’s outreach to homebound audiences and grounded professionals at a time when much of the world was locked down. Virtual expos and online wine fairs have enabled global wine professionals to maintain connections and pioneered innovative, effective modes of contact. Wine has always had a special power to bring people together—now there are even more ways for wine organisations to build communities and cultivate wine culture.

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CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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BEST PAIRING WITH CHINESE CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP Chinese

BEST PAIRING WITH THAI POMELO SALAD Thai

BEST PAIRING WITH INDIAN LAMB SEEKH KEBAB Indian

Domäne Roland Chan Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Höll 2019 Wachau, Austria

Marisco Vineyards The Ned Pinot Gris 2021 Marlborough, New Zealand

Siam Winery Monsoon Valley Shiraz 2018 Hua Hin Hills, Thailand

Billy Yeung Chinese chicken lettuce wrap is a traditional Asian cuisine found in China, Thailand and Vietnam. This classic Grüner Veltliner shows citrus aromas complemented by fresh vegetal notes.

Well-structured with crispy acidity.

Grüner means "green".

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Sarah Wong Thai Pomelo salad offers an explosion of flavours. There is the hot spiciness coming from the chili, mellow pomelo citrus, savoury umami notes from the fish sauce and dried shrimp, some sweetness, as well as hints of lemon grass. coriander and fresh mint. Finding a wine that will refresh and not be overwhelmed by these flavour elements may seem like an Herculean challenge.

This Pinot Gris manages to tick all the boxes. It beautifully brings out the vibrancy, freshness of the salad whilst enhancing the succulent flavours of the wine. Overall a big Wow factor! Try it and see if you agree.

Davy Leung Indian cuisine is mostly intensely flavoured and heavily spiced, and in this case the cumin, coriander and paprika are well integrated into the kebab. The complex array of pungent spice, smokiness and sauces create an even more complex flavour profile.

Pairing this dish with wines required a brambly red fruited wine with freshlysquashed cranberries acidity, and a broad spectrum of flavours ranging from sour cherry, lush wild berry notes to coffee grinds. This Monsoon Valley Shiraz handles well with the soft touch of oak that creates harmony and a pleasant finish.

MENU HEROES

The Asian food and wine matching awards recognise the prominence of food in Asian lifestyles.

BEST PAIRING WITH CHINESE STIR-FRIED STRING BEANS WITH GROUND PORK Chinese

BEST PAIRING WITH JAPANESE GRILLED BEEF TONGUE WITH GARLIC Japanese

DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Lisboa, Portugal

DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Lisboa, Portugal

Ronald Khoo This is a very fruity Portuguese red blend that is bursting with ripe cherries, raspberries and strawberries that works well on many levels with the Chinese stir fried string beans with ground pork. The oil notes from the pork further smooths the already velvety tannins of the wine whilst the sweet red fruit flavours of the wine teases out the sweetness of the string beans and its sauce. Savoury notes of this dish complete the gentle merge of harmonious flavours with added complexity.

Anty Fung

Bright, juicy, brambly fruit from DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker’s Selection Red 2020 accentuates the umami element when married with the savoury gamey characters of ox tongue. Once again this illustrates how purity of fruit in wine and salt in food brings excellent chemistry. A lovely contrast-based food and wine pairing combo.

BEST PAIRING WITH JAPANESE GRILLED MINCED CHICKEN SKEWER Japanese

DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Lisboa, Portugal Tersina Shieh

The attractive aromas of apples and red fruits in the wine complements the sweetness of the chicken skewer and at the same time, the wine’s refreshing acidity supports the slightly rich raw egg dipping. Although at the back seat, the wine enhances the flavour of the food but without losing its charm.

Award-winning Vintages DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2019 was a Trophy winner for Best Pairing With Chinese Wok-Fried Beef Fillets With Leeks in HK IWSC 2020 CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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SAKE

CENE-STEALING

By Elliot Faber, Sake Samuri

With sake on the slide with young Japanese people, beverage producers are expanding their footprint in overseas markets.

Sake Samurai Elliot Faber said sake has long been a favourite beverage among Hongkongers and its popularity is improving.

Proximity to Japan, excellent food pairing capabilities and kanji characters on bottles combine to create a sense of warmth and familiarity that attract Chinese people. The refined rice wine is also championed here by a plethora of heroes who are giving sake a leg up in Hong Kong’s abundant F&B scene.

“Marie-Paule Herman (Group Sommelier & Senior Operations Manager at Maximal Concepts) The Aubrey, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and her team are evangelists for the fermented rice beverage,” Faber said.

Sake is a feature on the menus at Yardbird and Ronin, too.

“Harley Ling and Roy Yeung at Yardbird and Ronin are dedicated to promoting sake and highlighting the nuances between each style.”

Elvis Lo from the Wagyumafia group, a sommelier who has found his passion in sake, is one of the scene’s rising stars.

And Godenya founder Goshima Shinya turns drinking sake “into a culinary journey of Japan with each meal,” Faber said.

In Faber’s opinion, limiting sake just to Japanese food does the drink an injustice. Chef Augustin Balbi at Michelin-starred Andō and Ricardo Chaneton at Latin American restaurant MONO demonstrate sake’s versatility by showing diners how sake can work with their respective international cuisines.

“Some sake are so full of umami that they can pair with almost any savoury foods.” In fact, the only rule with sake pairing is there are no rules! “Try not to stick to preconceived notions that sake must pair with Japanese food,” he insists.

Sake Central is currently showcasing many styles of sake at its annual Sake Matsuri (festival) where festival-goers can try more than 50 sake for a low entrance fee. While it’s impossible to pin Faber down on just one favourite, he confesses to some excellent pairing suggestions.

His sentimental favourite would have to be nigori (cloudy) sake. “I met my wife at a sake and burger pop-up at Park Bench Deli in Singapore. We bonded over the pairing of nigori (cloudy) sake and poutine (a Canadian dish of French

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fries, gravy and cheese curds). The texture of the nigori sake was perfect with the gravy, and the cheese curds became more flavourful with the slightly sweet notes in the sake.

“Sake also pairs particularly well with Cantonese cuisine because of its gentler flavours, when compared to Sichuan cuisine. At Michelin-star restaurant The Chairman, I paired an aged futsushu (table) sake with the famous dish Crab with Yellow Wine—it was a revelation! A harmony of oxidative, nutty, sweet and savoury flavours that all worked together to highlight the sweet, juicy crab. It is one of my favourite pairings and the sake is only about HK$100 per bottle.”

Faber said price is not always an indicator of excellence.

“Try all sorts of sake, regardless of price range or style.” The word “premium” on a sake bottle has a different meaning to premium grape wine. It refers to processing, not taste, he explains.

“Junmai Daiginjo and Daiginjo sake, which are premiumlooking, have an undeniable allure in Hong Kong. Junmai Daiginjo requires an incredible amount of materials, time and processing to brew, which add to the cost. But there are excellent sake styles in the Junmai and Honjozo categories that have flavour profiles that are better suited to certain cuisines. Nama (unpasteurised), koshu (aged) and genshu (undiluted) might not be expensive sake, but their flavour profiles can’t be matched.”

Domestically, moves are afoot in Japan to rescue sake’s reputation. NIGO and Pharrell Williams teamed up to create a premium sake line called the Storm Cowboy, and Tatenokawa collaborated with sake lover Dave Grohl to create a Junmai Daiginjo that involved playing Foo Fighters songs during fermentation.

Thanks to its versatile pairing capabilities with a range of cuisines—and even musical tastes!—Hong Kong’s thirst for sake shows no sign of abating. All that’s left is to top up your ochoko and explore all the styles the beverage has to offer.

Some sake are so full of umami that they can pair with almost any savoury foods

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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Switched on Asia

By Shenée Tuck

Asia’s reboot has had its fair share of false starts—switched off and back on again by rolling lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Now wine markets are well and truly back online, with a healthy resurgence in dining out in Hong Kong and Macau and e-commerce improvements across all markets.

Throughout Asia, home drinking is set to stay. Hongkongers embraced entertaining at home like never before during the pandemic, moving a community of social drinkers away from set menus to sofas. This growth has guided drinkers into a “clicky” scene of online sales and deliveries. One Hong Kong wine company reported 100% e-commerce growth from May to August 2020, bolstering its e-commerce from 10 to 20% of total business.

One Hong Kong wine company reported 100% e-commerce growth bolstering its e-commerce 20% of total business “Local customers have changed their buying habits significantly.

Popping to the shops became a risk … so they were forced online and found ease and benefits,” said one Hong Kong wine company.

Covid provided the push some Hong Kong wine companies needed to digitise their marketing, sales and networking to ensure the local wine scene remained open and vibrant.

CLICK AND COLLECT Homebound wine professionals and consumers drove interest in all things online throughout Asia. Electronic shopping rose sharply in South Korea amid Covid-19, with the overall value of online transactions reaching KRW15.9 trillion in December 2020, up 26.1% from December 2019 (Korean Statistical Information Service). Food services and food and beverage were major beneficiaries of the increase. In mid-2020, at the height of the pandemic, the South Korean government legalised online purchases of wine for pick up only. Previously, only online sales of soju were permitted.

Singapore wine companies increased their e-commerce activity in 2020, helping drive sales in the direct to consumer space.

Notable e-commerce players in Singapore include Millésima, The Vintage Club, and Cru World Wine (which also offers fine wine investment, trading, and storage services).

Online sales were so popular in Thailand that the government banned them in early December 2020 to try and curb consumption. E-commerce players adapted by shifting to a business to business model. In Taiwan, online alcohol sales are banned due to issues of age verification, although some wine companies use their websites to drive direct sales by enabling customers to fill online shopping carts and then completing the transaction over the phone, verifying age in the process. Unlike Vietnam, though, Taiwan allows online marketing at least.

LEARNING MOVES ONLINE Lockdowns have spawned an enthusiastic scene of online learners and social media subscribers. In Thailand, social media apps have become a platform to deliver simple wine education and raise awareness among home drinkers. Certified Wine Specialist and International Bordeaux Educator Parani Chitrakorn, together with Lucaris, has been sharing basic wine knowledge on social media since mid-2020. Thai wine professionals have

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also been logging on to learn. President of the Association of Thai Sommeliers Pairach Intaput helps design and deliver online training courses for sommeliers.

In the Vietnamese cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the Saigon Sommeliers Association hosted some online French wine workshops for its members in 2020. “Professionals and trade appreciate certified online programmes,” said Nguyễn Thanh Dung, director of marketing and Riedel brand ambassador at Winecellar, and director of training at Malthop. Although, she admits Vietnamese consumers are less enthusiastic about e-learning.

THE SHOWS GO ON New-format events that employ the best of both worlds—virtual and face to face—filled calendars in 2021, with innovative importers embracing creative ways to interact with their overseas partners.

Expatriates have been welcomed back to Singapore (after an initial exodus at the beginning of the pandemic) by strong vaccination rates that strike a balance between safe and open. The Lion City is considered “fully vaccinated” at a rate of more than 80% for over16s and key allowances are granted to vaccinated individuals to attend events and gatherings, dine out and enjoy other freedoms.

China and its neighbours were the first to face up to Covid-19 and have also been the first to face it down. Mask wearing and frequent hand sanitising are a legacy bequeathed to Asian countries by previous virus outbreaks. Our citizens accepted border closures and stay at home orders willingly. Now technology and talent are taking a front row seat in Asia’s reboot.

Once a hub for the region’s largest trade fairs and wine events, Hong Kong now favours more petite proceedings. The HK IWSC went ahead in 2020 under safe conditions with small groups of judges and in 2021 the competition benefitted from a more open format thanks to dramatically eased restrictions. Wine enthusiasts were welcomed back via small group tastings while wine organisations adapted into masters of quality over quantity. A masterclass with James Suckling, held live in Hong Kong and broadcast globally, enabled the Premiere Napa Valley auction of its 2018 vintage to be presented at a tasting for Hong Kong’s VIP trade.

Wine of Germany’s local Hong Kong office ensured its annual Riesling Week celebrations took place in 2021 by devising an innovative pop-up store, Vinothek Berlin. The National Wine Agency of Georgia and the California Wine Institute pushed forward with their annual wine month celebrations with promotions, social media initiatives, small group tastings and digital videos.

Macau’s hospitality industry is riding a return to fortune in 2021 with a wave of events welcoming back the city’s affluent, young professionals and expats. Restaurants and bars in the city’s fourand five-star resorts, most of which are concentrated on the Cotai Strip, are flush with events and pop-ups, said David Wong, executive director of Wynn Resorts’ Food and Beverage Academy.

“After a year without events, Wynn pushed ahead in 2021 with numerous events and new concepts.”

HOMEGROWN RECOVERY In South Korea, domestic tourism ensured resorts in eastern coastal areas thrived. Paul Eun, Mayfield Hotel & Resorts’ wine and restaurant manager, predicts their patronage will drive creativity on wine lists. But it is retail sales that dominate South Korea’s wine scene. South Korea imported US$239 million worth of wines between January to November 2020, according to Korea Customs Service data.

Taiwan’s wine market relies largely on locals, many of whom repatriated to the country last year to ride out the pandemic there.

Thanks to international travel restrictions, wealthy Taiwanese are now easier to reach. Tatung Atherton, a direct to consumer importer and retailer, has capitalised on the number of Taiwanese with money to spare by expanding its home delivery service to customers, said president Sue-Min Derbalian. Le Celliers des Poètes successfully pivoted its business model in Taiwan to direct to consumer, confirmed brand manager Morris Tao.

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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Medal Winners 2021

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Title Sponsor:

The complete list of HK IWSC 2021 medal winners.

Official Partners:

visit www.hkiwsc.com for more details on each winner Media Partners:

90+ GOLD Outstanding example; the benchmark

Still Wine | Argentina | Silver >>

STILL WINE LISTED BY COUNTRY Argentina SILVER

Catena Zapata D.V. Catena Cabernet Malbec 2020 D.V. Catena Malbec Malbec 2019 D.V. Catena Vineyard Designated Malbec Adrianna Vineyard 2019 D.V. Catena Vineyard Designated Malbec Nicasia Vineyard 2019 Jasmine Monet Organic Vineyard Caminante de Los Mundos Organic Cabernet Franc 2020

80+ SILVER Fine example; excellent quality

BRONZE

Jasmine Monet Organic Vineyard Caminante de Los Mundos Organic Malbec 2020

Australia GOLD

Bunnamagoo Estate Wines Bunnamagoo Estate Shiraz 2019 Gypsy Hub Concrete & Clay Reserve Shiraz 2020 Peccavi Wines Peccavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Pinnacle Drinks Vandemonian Coal River Valley Tasmanian Chardonnay 2020 Rob Dolan Wines Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 The Gilbert Family Wine Company G+G Single Vineyard Riesling 2015

75+ BRONZE Good example, well above average

SILVER

Bream Creek Vineyard Bream Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020 << Still Wine | Australia | Silver

Red

White

Still Wine | Australia | Silver >>

Bream Creek Vineyard Reserve Pinot Noir 2019 Casella Family Brands [yellow tail] Limited Release Shiraz 2012 De Bortoli Wines De Bortoli Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semilllon 2017 De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2018 De Bortoli Deen Vat 184 Master's Blend 2018 De Bortoli Melba Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Renaissance Shiraz 2019 De Bortoli Woodfired Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 De Bortoli Woodfired Shiraz 2019 Glaetzer Wines Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2019 Grant Burge Grant Burge 5th Generation Shiraz 2020 Grape Expectations Vintners Miles From Nowhere Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2021 Miles From Nowhere Rosé 2021 AC Byrne & Co Cabernet Merlot 2020 Miles From Nowhere Best Blocks Shiraz 2019 Miles From Nowhere Cabernet Merlot 2020 Miles From Nowhere Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Miles From Nowhere Shiraz 2020 Gypsy Hub Concrete & Clay Reserve Chardonnay 2020 Hardys Hardys Tintara Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Haselgrove Wines Protector Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Switch Gsm Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2019 << Still Wine | Australia | Silver

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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Bunnamagoo Estate Wines Bunnamagoo Estate Shiraz 2019 NSW, Australia

Gypsy Hub Concrete & Clay Reserve Shiraz 2020 Victoria, Australia

Still Wine | Australia | Silver >>

Hierloom Vineyards Heirloom Anevo GTT 2020 Jackson Family Wines Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2020 Jacob's Creek Jacob's Creek Reserve Limestone Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 McLaren Vale III Associates Squid Ink Shiraz 2019 Mr. Riggs Wine Company Pty Ltd Mr Riggs 2019 Three Corner Jack Orlando Wines Orlando Centenary Hill Shiraz 2015 Pinnacle Drinks Cat Amongst The Pigeons Eden Valley Riesling 2021 Balthazar of the Barossa Marananga Barossa Valley Shiraz 2019 Blood Brother Republic Single Vineyard Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Cat Amongst The Pigeons Barossa Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2020 Once & Well Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache 2020 Vandemonian Coal River Valley Tasmanian Pinot Noir 2020 Rob Dolan Wines Signature Series Chardonnay 2020 White Label Chardonnay 2019 Seabrook Wines Seabrook Wines 'The Merchant’ Shiraz 2018 Sidewood Estate Sidewood Mappinga Shiraz 2019 St Hugo St Hugo Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 The Gilbert Family Wine Company G+G Single Vineyard Riesling 2017 Tyrrell's Vineyards Tyrrell's Wines Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz 2019 Wakefield Taylors Family Wines Heritage Shiraz 2019 Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 St Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 St Andrews Shiraz 2018 Zonte's Footstep Super Trooper Shiraz Cabernet 2018

<< Still Wine | Australia | Silver

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SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Peccavi Wines Peccavi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Margaret River, Australia

Still Wine | Australia | Bronze >>

BRONZE

Bunnamagoo Estate Wines Bunnamagoo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Casella Family Brands [yellow tail] Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 [yellow tail] Reserve Merlot 2018 [yellow tail] Reserve Shiraz 2019 Chapel Hill Winery The MV Bush Vine Grenache 2020 The MV Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The MV Shiraz 2019 Cox Wine Merchants Allegiance Wines The Artisan Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz 2020 Dandelion Vineyards Firehawk Farm Shiraz 2019 Red Queen of the Eden Valley Shiraz 2018 De Bortoli Wines De Bortoli 17 Trees Chardonnay 2019 De Bortoli 17 Trees Pinot Grigio 2021 De Bortoli Yarra Valley Section A7 Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2018 De Bortoli 17 Trees Shiraz 2020 De Bortoli Melba Amphora Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Renaissance Durif 2019 De Bortoli The Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019 Ferngrove Wines Ferngrove Dragon Reserve 2019 Ferngrove Dragon Shiraz 2019 Ferngrove Estate Shiraz 2019 George Wyndham George Wyndham Bin 555 Shiraz 2020 Glaetzer Wines Glaetzer Wallace Shiraz Grenache 2019 Grant Burge Grant Burge 5th Generation Chardonnay 2020 Grape Expectations Vintners AC Byrne & Co Chardonnay 2021 AC Byrne & Co Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2021 Miles From Nowhere Best Blocks Chardonnay 2020 Miles From Nowhere Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Miles From Nowhere Best Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Hardys Hardys HRB Chardonnay 2018 Hardys HRB Riesling 2020 Hardys HRB Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 << Still Wine | Australia | Bronze

Pinnacle Drinks Vandemonian Coal River Valley Tasmania Chardonnay 2020 Tasmania, Australia

Still Wine | Australia | Bronze >>

Hardys HRB Pinot Noir 2019 Heirloom Vineyards Heirloom A'Lambra Eden Valley Shiraz 2020 Jacob's Creek Jacob's Creek Reserve Limestone Coast Shiraz 2019 Mr. Riggs Wine Company Mr Riggs 2019 JFR Shiraz Nugan Estate Nugan Estate Alcira Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Nugan Estate Dried Grape Shiraz 2018 Paragon Wine Estates Krondorf Barossa Shiraz 2019 Krondorf Founders View Barossa Grenache 2020 Krondorf Founders View Barossa Shiraz 2020 Krondorf Old Salem Barossa Shiraz 2019 Peccavi Wines Peccavi Chardonnay 2018 Pinnacle Drinks Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Eden Valley Riesling 2021 Once & Well Margaret River Chardonnay 2020 Blood Brother Republic Mclaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Blood Brother Republic Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2020 Blood Brother Republic Single Vineyard Mclaren Vale Shiraz 2020 Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Barossa Shiraz 2020 The Ethereal One Fleurieu Malbec 2020 The Ethereal One Fleurieu Montepulciano 2020 The Ethereal One Fleurieu Nero d'Avola 2020 Vinos For Chinos South Australia Grenache 2020 Rob Dolan Wines Signature Series Pinot Noir 2020 White Label Pinot Noir 2019 Schubert Estate Wine Schubert Estate Wine The Hatchling Shiraz 2018 Seabrook Wines Seabrook Wines 'The Architect' Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Shottesbrooke Vineyards Shottesbrooke Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 Shottesbrooke Estate Series Grenache Rosé 2021 << Still Wine | Australia | Bronze

Red

White

Rosé

The Gilbert Family Wine Company G+G Single Vineyard Riesling 2015 Eden Valley, Australia Rob Dolan Wines Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Yarra Valley, Australia

Best Wine From Australia & Best White Wine From Australia 2020 HKIWSC Importers: H&L’s Union (Taiwan), Westyork International (China) Colonial Trade Co. (Japan)

Still Wine | Australia | Bronze >>

Shottesbrooke Estate Series 2019 Shottesbrooke Single Vineyard Bush Vine Grenache 2019 Sidewood Estate Sidewood Mappinga Chardonnay 2019 St Hallett St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2018 St Hugo St Hugo Barossa Shiraz 2017 The Gilbert Family Wine Company Gilbert Chardonnay NDL 2019 Gilbert Riesling 2019 Gilbert Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Gilbert Shiraz 2019 Tomich Wines Tomich Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Wakefield Taylors Family Wines Jaraman Pinot Noir 2019 Jaraman Shiraz 2019 Masterstroke Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Masterstroke Shiraz 2019 Zilzie Wines Zilzie Limited Edition Mclaren Shiraz 2019 Zilzie Platinum Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Zilzie Platinum Edition Grenache 2019 Zilzie Regional Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Zonte's Footstep Blackberry Patch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Lake Doctor Shiraz 2019

Austria GOLD

Kracher Fine Wine 2017 Beerenauslese Cuvee Laurenz V - Laurenz Five Fine Wine Singing Grüner Veltliner by Laurenz V. 2020 LSC Wenzl Heideboden 2018 Weingut Gesellmann Chardonnay Ried Steinriegel 2018 Blaufränkisch Hochberc 2018 Winery Rudolf Kiss Neuburger DAC Leithaberg 2016 Blaufränkisch Bakobel Leithaberg Dac 2015 Winzer Krems Ried Kremser Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner Kremstal DAC Reserve 2020 << Still Wine | Australia | Gold

Red

White

Still Wine | Austria | Silver >>

SILVER

Domäne Roland Chan Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Höll 2019 Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kellerberg 2020 Etz Wein KG Grüner Veltliner Kamptal DAC Reserve Ried Karl 2019 Riesling Kamptal DAC 2020 Ing. W. Baumgartner Cuvee Reserve 2019 by Katharina Baumgartner Kracher Fine Wine Auslese Muskat Ottonel 2019 TBA No. 1 Scheurebe Zwischen Den Seen 2017 Laurenz V - Laurenz Five Fine Wine Charming Grüner Veltliner by Laurenz V. 2019 Sigma Vinum Grüner Veltliner 2018 VIEL MEHR Blaufränkisch 2015 MEHR Weingut Franz & Christine Netzl Netzl Ried Altenberg Weißburgunder 2019 Netzl Ried Bärnreiser 1ÖTW 'Anna-Christina' 2017 Weingut Jordan Steinzeit Grüner Veltliner Reserve 2019 Weingut Juris Pinot Noir 2017 Hochreit Weingut Jurtschitsch Ried Heiligenstein Riesling Kampt DAC 2019 Weingut Lisa & Georg Weinwurm Asia Blend - Cuvée White 2020 Asia Blend - Cuvée Red 2020 Weingut Magerl Grüner Veltliner Ried Schafflerberg 2020 Roter Veltliner Fels 2020 Roter Veltliner Ried Scheiben Trockenbeerenauslese 2017 Weingut W. Bründlmayer Gelber Muskateller Ried Rosenhügel 2019 Winery Kummer-Schuster Mezza Torre X 2018 Winery Rudolf Kiss Grüner Veltliner Bakobel DAC Leithaberg 2017

BRONZE

Domäne Wachau Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Achleiten 2020 Riesling Smaragd Achleiten 2020 Ing. W. Baumgartner Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel DAC Reserve 2020 Domäne Baumgartner << Still Wine | Austria | Bronze

Kracher Fine Wine Beerenauslese Cuvee 2017 Burgenland, Austria

Still Wine | Austria | Bronze >>

Orange Wine Grüner Veltliner 2020 by Katharina Baumgartner Laurenz V - Laurenz Five Fine Wine Forbidden by Laurenz V. 2020 LSC Wenzl Zweigelt 2018 Weingut Gesellmann Blaufränkisch Creitzer Reserve 2018 OP Eximium No 31 2018 Weingut Magerl Grüner Veltliner Vom Löss- Kabinett 2020

Canada SILVER

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Syrah 2018

BRONZE

Burrowing Owl Estate Winery Merlot 2018

Chile SILVER

Aresti Chile Wine Espiritu de Chile Explorador Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Family Collection 2017 Trisquel Assemblage 2019 Casa Viva Casa Viva Syrah Gran Reserva 2019 Tabali Omne Red Blend 2018 Omne Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Omne Single Vineyard Syrah 2017 Vina Aromo Aromo Barrel Selection The Blend 2017 Aromo Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Aromo Winemaker's Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2018 Aromo Winemaker's Selection Marselan/ Carménère 2019 Cuatro Vientos Family Collection The Blend 2017 Vina i SpA. Ilatina Syrah 2019 Viñedos Puertas Aguanegra Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2019 << Still Wine | Chile | Silver

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

39

LSC Wenzl Heideboden 2018 Burgenland, Austria

Still Wine | Chile | Bronze >>

Caballo Azul Reserva Especial Barricas 2018 Toro de Casta Blend Premium 2016

BRONZE

Aresti Chile Wine Trisquel Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Casa Viva Casa Viva Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2019 Casa Viva Pinot Noir Gran Reserva 2019 Vina Aromo Aromo Barrel Selection The White 2019 Aromo Reserva Privada Syrah 2020 Cuatro Vientos Grand Rerserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah 2018 Vina i Qu Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Viñedos Puertas Aguanegra Gran Reserva Petit Verdot 2019 El Milagro Reserva Carmenere 2017 Obsesion Blend Premium 2015 Tronador Reserva Carménère Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Grace Vineyard Grace Vineyard Deep Blue 2018 Pernod Ricard (Ningxia) Winemakers Co. Helan Mountain Classic Dry White Wine 2020 Qingdao Great River Hill Winery Co. Château Nine Peaks Cabernet Franc Collection 2019 Château Nine Peaks Petit Verdot Collection 2019 Sino-French Joint-Venture Dynasty Winery Dynasty Merlot Dry Red Wine – Gold Label 2015

BRONZE

Grace Vineyard Grace Vineyard Premium Chardonnay 2019 Grace Vineyard Interval 2018 Grace Vineyard Vineyard Series Cabernet Merlot 2020 Pernod Ricard (Ningxia) Winemakers Helan Mountain Premium Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Wine 2017 Helan Mountain Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Wine 2019 << Still Wine | China | Bronze

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Still Wine | China | Bronze >>

Helan Mountain Xiaofeng Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Red Wine 2016 Qingdao Great River Hill Winery Château Nine Peaks Qi White Chardonnay 2019 Château Nine Peaks Qi Red 2019 Château Nine Peaks Reserve Red 2019 Tiansai Winery Skyline of Gobi Reserve Chardonnay Dry White Wine 2019 Skyline of Gobi Reserve Syrah/Marselan Dry Red Wine 2016 Tiansai Vineyards T95 Marselan Dry Red Wine 2018

Winzer Krems Ried Kremser Wachtberg Grüner Veltliner Kremstal DAC Reserve 2020 Kremstal, Austria

Still Wine | France | Bronze >>

Château Lynch-Bages Berry Bros. & Rudd Pauillac By Château Lynch-Bages 2018 Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Blanc 'Les Baronnes' 2020 Joseph Colin St Aubin, La Chatenière, 1er Cru, Joseph Colin 2017 Scea Bantegnies Et Fils Château Haut Bertinerie Grand Vin Rouge 2019 Vignobles Famille Quiot Château du Trignon Vacqueyras 2017

Georgia GOLD

France GOLD

Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Micault 2019 Clos Marey-Monge Monopole 2019 Vignobles Famille Quiot Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2017

SILVER

China SILVER

40

Winery Rudolf Kiss Neuburger DAC Leithaberg 2016 Burgenland, Austria

Winery Rudolf Kiss Blaufränkisch Bakobel Leithaberg Dac 2015 Burgenland, Austria

Barton & Guestier Barton & Guestier Bordeaux Rouge 2019 Chateau Loudenne Loudenne Le Château AOC Médoc 2016 Château de Pommard Clos Marey-Monge Chantrerie 2019 Clos Marey-Monge Grands Esprits 2019 Joseph Colin Puligny-Montrachet, Le Trézin, Joseph Colin 2018 Vignobles Famille Quiot Domaine de Verlaque Côtes de Provence Rosé 2020 Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2017

BRONZE

Barton & Guestier Barton & Guestier Muscadet Sèvre Et Maine 2020 Château Magnol 2018 Bruna Clavelier Bourgogne Passetoutgrain, Domaine Bruno Clavelier 2018 Vosne-Romanée, Les Hautes Maizières Domaine Bruno Clavelier 2017 << Still Wine | France | Bronze

Askaneli Brothers Darejani Kindzmarauli 2020 Lopota Château Buera Kisi Qvevri Reserve 2018 Château Buera Saperavi Reserve 2018 Naberauli Wines Naberauli Tsolikouri 2020 Rtvelisi Mukuzani 2019

SILVER

Askaneli Brothers Manavi 2020 Rkatsiteli Qvevri 2019 Tsolikouri 2019 Saperavi Qvevri 2019 Saperavi Reserve 2018 Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking Kisi, Guramishvili's Marani 2020 Premiuim Tsinandali 2020 Ktw Saperavi Qvevri 2019 Lopota Château Buera Rkatsiteli Reserve 2018 Marnaveli Rkatsiteli Aged In Oak Barrels 2019 Tsolikauri Aged In Oak Barrels 2019 Mukuzani 2019 Saperavi Aged In Oak Barrels 2019 Naberauli Wines Naberauli Tvishi 2020 Naberauli Khvanchkara 2020 Naberauli Saperavi-Dzelshavi 2020 Qimerioni Saperavi Qvevri 2019 << Still Wine | Georgia | Silver

Red

White

Rosé

Roebuck Estates Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs 2016 Sussex, England

Vignobles Famille Quiot Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2017 Rhône, France Award-winning Vintages Domaine Duclaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2017 was the HK IWSC 2020 Silver Award Winner

Still Wine | Georgia | Silver >>

Vaziani Company Vaziani Krakhuna 2020 Winery Khareba Khareba 2018 Kindzmarauli 2020

BRONZE

Askaneli Brothers Mukuzani Premium 2019 Bua Wines Bua - Rkatsiteli 2019 Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking Premium Mukuzani 2020 Wine Company Shumi Tsinandali Vinobiza 2019 Mukuzani Iberiuli 2019 Winery Khareba Mukuzani 2018 Saperavi Classical 2018

Germany SILVER

Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Thanisch Berncasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese Dr H Thanisch 2017 Thanisch Riesling Kabinett 2017

BRONZE

Wwe. Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Thanisch Berncasteler Doctor Riesling Auslese 2018

Hungary BRONZE

X-Vin Kft. Petrény Winery Padok Egri Bikavér Superior 2011

Italy GOLD

Tenuta Buon Tempo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 Tenuta Massanova di Davide Massanova Rapengolo DOP Cilento Aglianico 2017 Villa Canestrari Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 'Dieci Anni' 2010

SILVER

Assuli Winery Cardina 2020

White

Still Wine | Japan | Gold >>

Bottega SPA Bottega Pinot Grigio Venezia DOC 2019 Cabert Spa Merlot Storia 2019 Cantine San Marzano Edda Bianco Salento IGP 2020 Talò Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2020 Codice Citra Ferzo - Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOC Teate Riserva 2018 Sistina - Appassimento Vino Rosso Sistina - Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOC 2019 Masi Agricola SPA Vaio Armaron Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2013 Ruffino Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2018 S.A Fattoria Quercia Al Poggio Chianti Classico Quercia Al Poggio DOCG 2019 Tenuta Buon Tempo Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 'Oliveto P.56' Riserva 2015 Tenuta Di Capezzana Ghiaie Della Furba 2017 Villa di Capezzana 2018 Tenuta Massanova di Davide Massanova Ziopì DOP Cilento Fiano 2019 Villa Canestrari Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG Riserva 'Plenum' 2014

BRONZE

Constellation Brands Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana Igt 2018 Masi Agricola SPA Barolo Campofiorin Oro 2016 Ruffino Ruffino Lumina Pinot Grigio 2020 Ruffino Chianti DOCG 2020 Scavi & Ray Lugana DOC 2019 Primitivo Puglia IGT 2019

Japan GOLD

Château Mercian Château Mercian Hosaka Koshu Essence 2020 << Still Wine | Italy | Silver

Red

Still Wine | Italy | Silver >>

Askaneli Brothers Darejani Kindzmarauli 2020 Kakheti, Georgia

<< Still Wine | Japan | Gold

Tsuno Wine Makiuchi Vineyard Onoshita Estate Chardonnay #5 2020

SILVER

Asukawine Asukadelaware 2020 Château Mercian Château Mercian Hosaka Muscat Bailey A 2018 Château Mercian Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A 2019 Hokkaido Wine Tazaki Vineyard Zweigelt Rosé 2019 Kuju Winery Kuju Chardonnay A Stray Cat 2020 Kuju Chardonnay Catwalk 2019 Muscat Bailey A Barrelaged 2018 Sanwa Shurui Ajimu Budoushu Koubou Ajimu Wine Albariño 2020 Ajimu Wine Chardonnay Imoridani 2020 Ajimu Wine Chardonnay Reserve 2020 Tsuno Wine Makiuchi Private Reserve Koshu 2020 Makiuchi Vineyard Unwooded Chardonnay 2020 Osuzu Vineyard Series Campbell Early 2020

BRONZE

Château Mercian Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris 2020 Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2020 Hokkaido Wine Kitajima Hideki Kerner Sweet 2020 Tsurunuma Gewürztraminer 2019 Tsurunuma Harvest Special Cuvee Pinot Blanc 2019 Tsurunuma Pinot Blanc 2019 Kitajima Vineyard Zweigelt & Pinot Noir Rosé 2019 Tazaki Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 Tsurunuma Kidarujukusei Rondo 2018 Katashimo Winery Goumei-Yama Chardonnay 2020 Sanwa Shurui Ajimu Budoushu Koubou Ajimu Wine Moroya Koshu 2020 Ajimu Wine Moroya Tannat 2018 Tsuno Wine Makiuchi Vineyard Shiramizu Unfiltered Chardonnay #6-B 2020 Makiuchi Private Reserve Muscat Bailey A 2016 << Still Wine | Japan | Bronze

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

41

Lopota Château Buera Saperavi Reserve 2018 Kakheti, Georgia

Still Wine | New Zealand | Gold >>

New Zealand GOLD

Kono NZ LP Kono Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Saint Clair Family Estate Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor's Creek Pinot Noir 2020

SILVER

Babich Wines Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Borthwick Vineyard Paddy Borthwick Chardonnay 2020 Paddy Borthwick Pinot Noir 2019 Paddy Borthwick Right Hand Pinot Noir 2019 Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmond de Rothschild Rimapere Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Delta Estate Wines River Delta Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Glenora Estate Glenora Estate Syrah 2020 Kim Crawford Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Kono NZ LP Tohu Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Tohu Whenua Awa Riesling 2019 Marisco Vineyards The Ned Chardonnay 2020 The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2020 The Ned Pinot Gris 2021 The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Leefield Station Pinot Noir 2020 The Ned Pinot Noir 2020 Saint Clair Family Estate Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay 2019 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degree Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Spy Valley Wines Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Spy Valley Single Estate Pinot Noir 2017

BRONZE

Borthwick Vineyard Paddy Borthwick Left Hand Pinot Noir 2019 Delta Estate Wines Delta Hatters Hill Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Delta Hatters Hill Pinot Noir 2019 Delta Pinot Noir 2019 << Still Wine | New Zealand | Bronze

42

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Rtvelisi Mukuzani 2019 Kakheti, Georgia

Naberauli Wines Naberauli Tsolikouri 2020 Racha-Lechkhumi, Georgia

Still Wine | New Zealand | Bronze >>

Kim Crawford Kim Crawford New Zealand Pinot Noir 2020 Kono NZ LP Tohu Whenua Awa Chardonnnay 2018 Saint Clair Family Estate Saint Clair Marlborough Origin Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Saint Clair Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Spy Valley Wines Satellite Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Spy Valley Single Vineyard Riesling 2016 Two Rivers Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Wooing Tree Vineyard Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2019

Portugal GOLD

Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Vinhos Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Alicante Bouschet Reserva 2019 Vinha do Fava Reserva 2020 Vinha do Torrão Grande Escolha 2019 Casa Santos Lima Touriz Red 2016

SILVER

Adega de Redondo Portada Ravessa Reserva Especial Edição Limitada 30 Anos 2017 Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Vinhos Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Sauvignon Blanc & Verdelho 2020 Dona Ermelinda Reserva Branco 2019 Baía de Tróia - Castelão 2020 Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2018 Casa Ermelinda Freitas - Syrah Reserva 2019 Dona Ermelinda Reserva Tinto 2019 Rocksand Shiraz 2020 Sand Creek 2020 Vinha da Fonte Reserva 2019 Vinha do Fava - Touriga Nacional 2020 Vinha do Torrão Reserva 2019 Casa Santo Lima Mosaico 2020 Gran Passo Reserva 2018 Mosaico 2019 Quinta Das Setencostas 2018 Companhia Agricola do Sanguinhal << Still Wine | Portugal | Silver

Constellation Brands Ruffino Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Veneto, Italy

Still Wine | Portugal | Silver >>

Península Lisboa Red 2019 Quinta de S Francisco 2018 Cooperativa Agrícola de St. Isidro de Pégoes Alto Pina White Reserve 2020 Sobreiro de Pegões Premium White 2020 Adega de Pegões Cabernet Sauvignon Red 2019 Adega de Pegões Grand Reserve Red 2017 Adega de Pegões Syrah Red 2018 Alto Pina Red Reserve 2020 Portinho do Covo Red 2019 Rovisco Pais Premium Red 2019 Sobreiro de Pegões Premium Red 2020 Vinhas de Pegões Touriga Nacional Red 2020 DFJ Vinhos Escada Reserva 2020 Grand`Arte Alvarinho 2020 Paxis Arinto 2020 Paxis Bulldog 2020 Aluado Reserva 2018 Bigode DFJ Blend 2020 Casa do Lago Grande Reserva 2017 Escada T. Nacional 2020 Grand`Arte Alicante Bouschet Red 2017 Portada Lote DFJ 2020 Portada Medium Sweet Red 2020 Segada 2020 Vega 2019 Quinta De Ceis Quinta de Ceis Reserva White Vinhas Velhas DOP Douro 2019 Sociedade Agrícola Quinta de Porrais Porrais 2018

BRONZE

Adega de Redondo Porta da Ravessa Grande Escolha 2017 Casa Ermelinda Freitas-Vinhos Vinha do Torrão Reserva Branco 2020 Vinha da Valentina Reserva Signature 2019 Casa Santos Lima Lab Reserva 2019 Portas de Lisboa 2019 Companhia Agricola do Sanguinhal Casabel Lisboa Red 2019 Cooperativa Agrícola de St. Isidro de Pégoes Rovisco Pais Reserve White 2020 Vinhas de Pegões Syrah Red 2020 DFJ Vinhos Aluado 2020 << Still Wine | Portugal | Bronze

Red

White

Rosé

Château Mercian Château Mercian Hosaka Koshu Essence 2020 Chubu, Japan Tenuta Buon Tempo Tenuta Massanova di Davide Massanova Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016 Rapengolo DOP Cilento Aglianico 2017 Toscana, Italy Campania, Italy

Still Wine | Portugal | Bronze >>

Pomar 2020 Portada Lote DFJ 2020 Portada Medium Sweet 2020 Portada Reserva 2019 Segada 2020 Escada 2020 Portada Lote DFJ 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Alta Corte 2019 Aluado 2020 Casa do Lago 2020 Coreto 2020 Fat Duck 2020 Jag 2020 Paxis Bulldog 2020 Pomar 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Quinta de Ceis Quinta de Ceis Reserva Red Vinhas Velhas DOP Douro 2017 Sociedade Agricola Quinta Do Conde 2 Uvas Reserva 2018

Romania GOLD

SC Viile Budureasca Budureasca Premium Tamaioasa Romaneasca 2020 Budureasca Origini Feteasca Neagra 2018

SILVER

SC Ville Budureasca Budureasca Origini Reserve 2017 Budureasca Premium Feteasca Neagra 2019

South Africa GOLD

Old Road Wine Co. Old Road Wine Co. Grande-Mere Semillon 2017 Waterford Estate Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Waterford Estate The Jem 2015

SILVER

Bellingham Wines Bellingham Homestead The Old Orchard Chenin Blanc 2019 Bellingham The Bernard Series Small Barrel S.M.V. 2018 << Still Wine | South Africa | Silver

Red

White

Award-winning Vintages Château Mercian Koshu de Essence 2015 was Best Wine with Peking Duck in 2018 HK IWSC

Still Wine | South Africa | Silver >>

Boschendal Wines Boschendal Black Angus 2018 Cavalli Estate Cavalli Warlord 2018 Cederberg Ghost Corner Wild Ferment 2018 Cederberg Shiraz 2018 Franschoek Cellar Wines Franschhoek Cellar La Cotte Mill Chenin Blanc 2021 Lutzville Vineyards Francois Le Vaillant Pinotage 2017 Man Vintners Man Family Wines Free Run-Steen Chenin Blanc 2021 Kara-Tara Pinot Noir 2020 Old Road Wine Co. Old Road Wine Co. 12 Mile Syrah 2018 Old Road Wine Co. The Butcher and Cleaver 2017 Stellenview Premium Wines Kruger Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Sauvingnon Blanc 2021 The Pledge My Darling Sauvignon 2021 Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Rosé 2021 Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Shiraz 2019

BRONZE

Bellingham Wines Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2020 Bellingham The Bernard Series Bush Vine Pinotage 2017 Bushmanspad Estate Mama Afrika Chardonnay 2020 Bushmanspad Estate Malbec 2018 Cavalli Estate Cavalli Cremello 2020 Franschhoek Cellar Wines Franschhoek Cellar Baker Station Shiraz 2019 Le Grand Domaine The Pledge Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Lutzville Vineyards Classic Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Diamond Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Diamond Collection Ebenhaeser 2018 Man Vintners Man Family Wines Padstal Chardonnay 2021 Lievland Bushvine Pinotage 2019 Lievland Coastal Region Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

<< Still Wine | South Africa | Bronze

Still Wine | South Africa | Bronze >>

Man Family Wines Bosstok Pinotage 2020 Man Family Wines Ou Kalant Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Stark-Condé Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Stellenview Premium Wines Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2019

Spain GOLD

Bodegas y Viñedos Rauda Musai de Tinto Roa 2014

SILVER

Bodega La Granadilla Dominio de La Granadilla 2020 Bodega San Roque de la Encina Monte Pinadillo Rosado de Lágrima 2020 Bodegas Abadia La Arroyada Abadia La Arroyada Crianza 2017 Bodegas Ariabak Pandra Verdejo 2020 Bodegas Ayuso Benizar Semidulce 2020 Estola Selección 2018 Bodegas Casto Pequeño Palmira Tempranillo 2016 Quinta Hinojal Tempranillo 2017 Bodegas de Crianza de Pozaldez Liberso 2016 Bodegas Mazas Garnacha Mazas 2020 Bodegas Veganzones 912de Altitud Al Cuadrado 2018 Convento de Oreja Convento Oreja Crianza 2018 La Lonja Pinciana (Bodega Lar de Maía) Lar de Maía 7º Autor 2017 MURIEL WINES Muriel Fincas de La Villa Reserva 2016 Viña Herminia Lady Herminia Blanco 2020 Lady Herminia Reserva DOCa Rioja 2016 Viña Herminia Crianza 2017 Viña Herminia Reserva DOCa Rioja 2016

BRONZE

3 Ases Bodegas y Viñedos 3 Ases 2019 (6 Meses) << Still Wine | Spain | Bronze

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

43

Casa Ermelinda Freitas-Vinhos Alicante Bouschet Reserva 2019 Peninsula de Setubal VR, Portugal

Tsuno Wine Makiuchi Vineyard Onoshita Estate Chardonnay #5 2020 Miyazaki, Japan Award-winning Vintages Makiuchi Vineyard Onoshita Estate Chardonnay #5 2018 was the HK IWSC 2020 Silver Award Winner Still Wine | Spain | Bronze >>

Bodegas Belote Belote Crianza 2016 BODEGAS VALORIA Viña Valoria Gran Reserva 2008 Viña Valoria Reserva 2014 Estancia Piedra – Bodegas Piedra Piedra Roble 2020 Kiko Calvo. Bodegas Bigardo Satelite Boarding Wine 2019 Pardevalles Pardevalles 2020 Sara Rivera Sara Rivera 2019 Viña Herminia Lady Herminia Rosado 2020 Lady Herminia Crianza 2017 Lady Herminia Vendimia Seleccionada 2018 Viñaguareña Maimun Roble 2019 Viñedos Sampedro Y Alonso Xardin de Xampedro 2019

Thailand SILVER

Siam Winery Monsoon Valley Cuvee de Siam Rouge 2015

BRONZE

Asoke Valley Winery Granmonte Asoke Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah 2019 Granmonte Durif 2019 Siam Winery Monsoon Valley Colombard 2020 Monsoon Valley Colombard 2021 Monsoon Valley White Shiraz 2021 Monsoon Valley Shiraz 2018 Monsoon Valley Signature Red 2018

USA GOLD

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Robert Mondavi Private Selection Rye Barrel-Aged Red Blend 2018

SILVER

Au Bon Climat Berry Bros. & Rudd Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2018 by Au Bon Climat << Still Wine | USA | Silver

44

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Award-winning Vintages Alicante Bouschet Reserva 2018 was the HK IWSC 2020 Silver Award Winner

Still Wine | USA | Silver >>

Still Wine | USA | Bronze>>

Constellation Brands Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay 2019 Hahn Family Wines Boneshaker Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 Jackson Family Wines Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir 2016 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2018 Willakenzie Estate 2018 Ramey Wine Cellars Berry Bros. & Rudd Sonoma County Chardonnay 2018 by Ramey Wine Cellars Robert Mondavi Private Selection Robert Mondavi Private Selection Buttery Chardonnay 2019 Robert Mondavi Winery Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Robert Mondavi Winery Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 The Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner Chardonnay 2019 The Prisoner Red Blend 2018 Thorn Merlot 2017 Trefethen Family Vineyards Dragon's Tooth 2018

Trefethen Family Vineyards Trefethen Chardonnay 2019 Trefethen Dry Riesling 2020 Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Chardonnay Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

BRONZE

England GOLD

Hahn Family Wines Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast 2019 Jackson Family Wines Copain 2017 Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Robert Mondavi Private Selection 100 Chardonnay 2019 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Chardonnay 2019 Robert Mondavi Private Selection 100 Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The Prisoner Wine Company Blindfold White Blend 2019 The Snitch Chardonnay 2018 Derange Red Blend 2017 Eternally Silenced 2018 Saldo Zinfandel

<< Still Wine | USA | Bronze

SPARKLING WINE LISTED BY COUNTRY Argentina SILVER

Jasmine Monet Organic Vineyard Jasmine Monet Organic Black Brut Jasmine Monet Organic Silver Brut Nature

China SILVER

Sino-French Joint-Venture Dynasty Winery Dynasty 5° Sparkling Wine

Roebuck Estates Roebuck Estates Rosé de Noirs

France SILVER

Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire Cuvée Trianon

BRONZE

Comtes de Dampierre SAS Champagne Comtes de Dampierre - Grand Vintage 2012 Brut Grand Cru

Italy GOLD

Ca' di Rajo Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut Ruffino Ruffino Prosecco DOC Extra Dry

<< Sparkling Wine | Italy | Gold

Red

White

Rosé

Casa Ermelinda Freitas-Vinhos Vinha do Torrão Grande Escolha 2019 Peninsula de Setubal VR, Portugal

Casa Santos Lima Touriz Red 2016 Lisboa, Portugal

Sparkling Wine | Italy | Silver >>

SILVER

3GP Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Ca' di Rajo Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry Prosecco DOC Treviso Rosé Millesimato 2020 Brut Cabert Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry Ruggeri & C. Argeo Prosecco DOC Treviso, Brut Scavi & Ray Prosecco Rosé Spumante DOC Brut Spumanti Valdo Bio Prosecco DOC Biologico Brut Tenuta La Maredana Prosecco DOC Rosé Brut

BRONZE

Ruggeri & C. Srl Giall'Oro, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Scavi & Ray S.R.L. Ice Prestige Spumante Prosecco Frizzante DOC Spumanti Valdo SRL Tenuta La Maredana Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut Val D'oca SRL Prosecco DOC Treviso Rosé Millesimato Extra Dry Val d'Oca Viticoltori Ponte Srl Prosecco Spumante DOC Extra Dry Biologico Ponte

Japan SILVER

SC Viile Budureasca Budureasca Origini Feteasca Neagra 2018 Dealu Mare, Romania

Fortified Wine | Australia | Gold >>

Thailand BRONZE

Siam Winery Co. Monsoon Valley Brut Prestige

FORTIFIED WINE LISTED BY COUNTRY Australia GOLD

De Bortoli Wines De Bortoli 'Old Boys' 21YO Barrel Aged Tawny De Bortoli Black Noble Barrel Aged 10YO

SILVER

De Bortoli Wines De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate Classic Muscat De Bortoli Show Liqueur Oak Barrel Aged 8 Years Muscat

BRONZE

Gypsy Hub The Craft & Co Rose Vermouth

Spain GOLD

Emilio Lustau Lustau Almacenista Antonio Caballero y Sobrinos Amontillado del Castillo

SILVER

Emilio Lustau Lustau Vermut Rojo Palo Cortado Cayetano Del Pino Río Viejo

BRONZE

Sanwa Shurui Co. Ajimu Budoushu Koubou Ajimu Sparkling Wine

Boschendal Wines Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut << Sparkling Wine | Thailand | Bronze

Red

White

Kumakko Farm - Kikuju Junmai Daiginjo Rikyu Kura - Sennorikyu Daiginjo Sanwarigobu Migaki 2020

BRONZE

Rikyu Kura - Sennorikyu Aiyama Junmai Ginjo - Sennorikyu Junmai Daiginjo Kanrakushu - Yumeshu Junmai Daiginjo - Yumeshu Junmai Ginjo Tanizakura-Shuzo - Ryuryushinku Junmai Ginjo - Sakurasakura Junmai Dai-Ginjo

New Zealand BRONZE

New Zealand Sake Brewers - Zenkuro Junmai Daiginjo

SPIRITS LISTED BY TYPES AQUAVIT SILVER

Feingeisterei Germany - Gut. Norddeutscher Wildkräuter Aquavit

ASIAN SPIRITS Qinghai Huzhu Barley Wine China - Tianyoude 45% Export Gold Label (The Third Generation) - Tianyoude 45% Export Sliver Label (The Third Generation)

SAKE Japan GOLD

COGNAC

Katsuyama - Sensho Masamune Junmai Daiginjo

South Africa SILVER

Sake | Japan | Bronze >>

SILVER

Emilio Lustau Lustau Vermut Blanco Lustau Vermut Rosé

BRONZE

ASUKAWINE CO. Asukasparklingdelaware 2019 Hokkaido Wine Traditional Method Hokkaido Rosé

SC Viile Budureasca Budureasca Premium Tamaioasa Romaneasca 2020 Dealu Mare, Romania

SILVER

Katsuyama - Katsuyama Ken Junmai Ginjo << Sake | Japan | Silver

GOLD

Courvoisier Cognac France - Courvoisier Napoleon Fine Champagne J.G. Monnet & Co. France - Monnet XO Cognac << Spirits | Cognac | Gold

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

45

Old Road Wine Co. Old Road Wine Co. Grande-Mere Semillon 2017 Franschhoek, South Africa

Waterford Estate Waterford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 Simonsberg/Stellenbosch, South Africa

Spirits | Cognac | Silver >>

SILVER

Courvoisier Cognac France - Courvoisier Cognac VS - Courvoisier Cognac VSOP - Courvoisier Cognac XO J.G. Monnet & Co. France - Monnet 1838 Foundation Cognac Rémy Martin France - Rémy Martin XO

BRONZE

Camus France - Camus VSOP (Borderies Single Estate) Cognac Rémy Martin France - Rémy Martin Club

DISTILLED NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS SILVER

ALTD Spirits Australia - Silver Princess Seadrift Distillery Australia - Seadrift Classic Non-Alcoholic Spirit

BRONZE

ALTD Spirits Australia - Green Grocer Botanical Beverages Australia - Banks Botanicals Seadrift Distillery Australia - Seadrift Coast Non Alcoholic Spirit Sober Spirits France - Sober-Rum 0.0%

FRUIT SPIRITS (DISTILLED) GOLD

Anaseuli Kombinat Georgia - Anaseuli Apple Distillate << Spirits | Fruit Spirits | Gold

46

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Waterford Estate Waterford Estate The Jem 2015 Stellenbosch, South Africa

Spirits | Fruit Spirits | Silver >>

Spirits | Gin | Gold >>

SILVER

Distillerie Massenez France - Massenez - Kirsch Vieux Vieille Réserve Personnelle Anaseuli Kombinat Georgia - Anaseuli Blueberry Brandy - Anaseuli Feijoa Brandy - Anaseuli Persimmon Distillate - Anaseuli Plum Distillate

GIN

GOLD

Australian Distilling Australia - Bondi Gin Forty Spotted Gin Australia - Forty Spotted Classic - Forty Spotted Wild Rose Four Pillars Distillery Australia - Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin Kangaroo Island Spirits Australia - KIS Whisky Barrel Gin Original Spirit Co. Australia - Original Wild Sloe RT LegacySpirit Distilling Co. Australia - Marie Classic Dry Gin The Shropshire Gin Company England - Tiger Gin Feingeisterei Germany - 5 Continents Gin Two Moons Distillery Hong Kong - Two Moons Signature Dry Gin Third Eye Distillery India - Stranger & Sons Gin Godo Shusei Japan - Tokyo Nights Japanese Gin

MCG Inc. Japan - Keyaki Craft Link South Africa - Ginologist Floral Herno Gin Distillery Sweden - Hernö Old Tom Gin - Hernö Pink BTL Gin

SILVER

Archie Rose Distilling Australia - Archie Rose X Sydney Opera House Outside Gin Australian Distilling Australia - Adelaide Gin - Australian Distilling Co. Gin - Australian Distilling Co. Navy Gin - Australian Distilling Co. Shiraz Gin - Brisbane Gin - Darwin Craft Gin - Melbourne Gin - Perth Gin - Sydney Gin Barossa Distilling Company Australia - Australian Garden Gin Bass & Flinders Distillery Australia - Orient Gin Forty Spotted Gin Australia - Forty Spotted Citrus & Pepperberry Four Pillars Distillery Australia - Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin - Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin - Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin - Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin Gypsy Hub Australia - The Craft & Co Gingerbread Gin Kangaroo Island Spirits Australia - KIS O'Gin - KIS Old Tom Gin - KIS Wild Gin Naught Distilling Australia - Naught Australian Dry Gin - Naught Overproof Gin - Naught Sangiovese Gin

<< Spirits | Gin | Gold

<< Spirits | Gin | Silver

Red

White

Rosé

De Bortoli Wines 'Old Boys' 21YO Barrel Aged Tawny South Eastern Australia

De Bortoli Wines Black Noble Barrel Aged 10YO Riverina, Australia

Award-winning Vintages 'Old Boys' 21YO Barrel Aged Tawny was the HK IWSC 2020 Silver Award Winner

Spirits | Gin | Silver >>

Spirits | Gin | Silver >>

Original Spirit Co. Australia - Blood Orange With Japanese Yuzu Ginfusion - Original Classic Dry - Original Single Barrel Reserve Patient Wolf Distilling Australia - Patient Wolf Melbourne Dry Gin - Patient Wolf Summer Thyme Gin Seven Seasons Australia - Seven Seasons Bush Apple Gin - Seven Seasons Green Ant Gin Southern Wild Distillery Australia - Dasher + Fisher Cherry Gin - Dasher + Fisher Meadow Gin - Dasher + Fisher Ocean Gin - Dasher + Fisher Saffron Gin - Dasher + Fisher Sloe Gin Fok Hing Gin England - Edition 852 Spiritique France - Yu Gin Fine Blankeneser Goods Germany - Blankeneser Premium Dry Gin Hong Kong Distillery Hong Kong - Fire Dragon Gin Two Moons Distillery Hong Kong - Two Moons Calamansi Gin Fujishiro Distillery Japan - Kodachi (Wakayama) Japanese Craft Gin Komasa Jozo Japan - Komasa Gin Ichigo Yomeishu Seizo Japan - Kanoshizuku Craft Gin Cheung's Brothers Enterprises Netherlands - Perfume Trees Gin Tolmanns Distillery Netherlands - Tolmanns Gin Broken Heart Spirits New Zealand << Spirits | Gin | Silver

Red

White

Award-winning Vintages Black Noble Barrel Aged 10YO was the HK IWSC 2020 Silver Award Winner Spirits | Gin | Bronze >>

- Broken Heart Angels Share Gin - Broken Heart Original Gin Brennevinsgrova Norway - Brennevinsgrova Strawberry Pink Gin Raven Spirits Scotland - Hrafn Gin Valkyrie Pálenica Vo Vtáčom Údolí Slovakia - Gin Gin Slovakia - Lúčky Gin Craft Link South Africa - Ginologist Citrus Loom Spirits South Africa - Loom Spirits Mala Tokki Soju South Korea - Sonbi Gin Licores Villar (Liqueurs & Gins Bull Terrier) Spain - Liquers And Gins Bull Terrier Herno Gin Distillery Sweden - Hernö Gin - Hernö Juniper Cask Gin

BRONZE

Archie Rose Distilling Australia - Archie Rose X Sydney Opera House Inside Gin - Signature Dry Gin Australian Distilling Australia - Fremantle Gin - Geelong Gin - Gold Coast Gin Barossa Distilling Company Australia - Barossa Shiraz Gin 2021 - Generations Gin Gypsy Hub Australia - The Craft & Co Collingwood Dry Gin - The Craft & Co Navy Strength Gin Kangeroo Island Spirits Australia - KIS Mulberry Gin

<< Spirits | Gin | Bronze

Original Spirit Co. Australia - Country Rhubarb With Ginger Ginfusion Patient Wolf Distilling Australia - Patient Wolf Pinot Noir Gin Southern Wild Distillery Australia - Dasher + Fisher Raspberry Gin - Dasher + Fisher Strawberry Gin Don Luchesi Destilaria e Botanicos Brazil - O'Gin London Dry Vanfall Destilaria e Comercio Brazil - Vanfall London Dry Gin Fok Hing Gin England - Five Blessings Spirit Of Harrogate England - Slingsby London Dry Gin Benazet Germany - Bénazet Schwarzwald Gin Broken Heart Spirits New Zealand - Broken Heart Pinot Noir Gin Craft Link South Africa - Ginologist Orient Bodegas Del Condado de San Esteban Spain - New Legend Numantium Brewstillery Vietnam - Mashed Up Craft Gin

GRAPE BRANDY SILVER

Polini Group Italy - XO Brandy Riserva 14 Anni Vecchia Rovere Oude Molen Distillers South Africa - Bayede! XO

BRONZE

Katashimo Winery Japan - Japanese Brandy Budouka 35% << Spirits | Grape Brandy | Bronze

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

47

J.G. Monnet & Co. Monnet XO Cognac Cognac, France

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin Yarra Valley, Australia

Best Cognac in 2018 HK IWSC

Best Gin in 2018 HK IWSC

Anaseuli Kombinat Anaseuli Apple Distillate Guria, Georgia

Spirits | Liqueurs | Gold >>

Spirits | Rum | Gold >>

Spirits | Tequila/Mezcal | Silver >>

LIQUEURS

RUM

TEQUILA/MEZCAL

Gypsy Hub Australia - Artillery Oolong Gin Tea

Polini Group Cuba - Higuana 12

Casa Noble Mexico - Casa Noble Anejo Tequila

GOLD

SILVER

Gypsy Hub Australia - Artillery Earl Grey Gin Tea Original Spirit Co. Australia - Pink Grapefruit With Pomegranate Ginfusion Distillerie Massenez France - Massenez - Liqueur de Pomme Verte Magnolia Lab Hong Kong - Magnolia Lab Oriental Botanical Liqueur Roselle Polini Group Italy - Limoncello Liberty Engelstad Spirits Netherlands - Dramm Burning Black Liqueur Fu Hsing Li Hua Wine Taiwan - Orient Tea Liquor

BRONZE

Gypsy Hub Australia - The Craft & Co Gingerbread Gin Liqueur Tianjin Xiaozhuo Trading China - PuLang Plum Whisky Distillerie Massenez France - Massenez - Liqueur de Litchi Fábrica Da Igreja Paroquial Dos Prazeres Portugal - Licor de Mosto de Sidra Holy Seed Beverage Co. Spain - Basbas

<< Spirits | Liqueurs | Bronze

48

Australian Distilling Bondi Gin NSW, Australia

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

GOLD

SILVER

SILVER

Moet Hennessy Cuba - Eminente Reserva Gypsy Hub Dominican Repubic - Artillery Rum Distillerie Neisson Martinique - Le Vieux Par Neisson - Profil 107 BIO Neisson - Rhum Élevé Sous Bois Neisson 50% Pacífico Ron Panama - Pacífico Gran Reserva 10Yo Ron Santa Teresa Venezuela - Santa Teresa 1796

BRONZE

Distillerie Neisson Martinique - Rhum Agricole Blanc 50% Neisson First Rum New Zealand - First - Spiced Golden Rum

SHOCHU/SOJU GOLD

The Hachi Shochu (Ookubo Shuzo) Japan - The Hachi Imo Shochu Cask Matured

SILVER

The Hachi Shochu (Miroku Shuzo) Japan - The Hachi Mugi Shochu Cask Matured Tokki Soju South Korea - Tokki Soju - Black Label - Tokki Soju - Gold Label

VERMOUTH & OTHER AROMATISED WINES BRONZE

987 Spirits Drinks Spain - 987 Vermouth BL Vermouth Reserva Eva Spain - Bendita Locura Vermouth

VODKA GOLD

Archie Rose Distilling Australia - Original Vodka Australia Distilling Australia - Australian Distilling Co. Vodka Industria e Comercio de Bebidas Kalmae Brazil - Vodka Steinbruck

SILVER

Australia Distilling Australia - Adelaide Vodka White Label Distillery Australia - Pure Origin Tasmanian Vodka Kalvelage Distillery Brazil - Vodka Kalvelage Vibe NYKUR Spirits ApS Faroe Islands - NYKUR Premium Organic Vodka Feingeisterei Germany - Wahrer Vodka Royal Mash Monaco - Royal Mash Vintage 2020

<< Spirits | Shochu / Soju | Silver

<< Spirits | Vodka | Silver

Red

White

Rosé

Kangaroo Island Spirits KIS Whisky Barrel Gin Australia

Silver Award winner in 2019 HK IWSC Lark Distilling Co Forty Spotted Classic Australia

Spirits | Whisky - Scotch | Gold >>

Spirits | Vodka | Bronze >>

BRONZE

Hong Kong Distillery Hong Kong - Hong Kong House Vodka Chopin Poland - Chopin (Potato) Vodka Tokki Soju South Korea - Sonbi Vodka

WHISKEY - IRISH SILVER

Polini Group Republic of Ireland - Proud Irish - Proud Irish Single Malt - Shamrose

WHISKEY - USA GOLD

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey USA - Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Aged Whiskey

SILVER

Beam Suntory USA - Legent Bourbon Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey USA - Uncle Nearest 1820 Premium Single Barrel Whiskey - US-53 - Uncle Nearest 1884 Premium Small Batch Whiskey

BRONZE

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey USA - Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition

WHISKY - SCOTCH GOLD

Berry Bros. & Rudd Scotland - The Classic Range Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Glasgow Whisky Distillers Scotland - Member's Mark 18YO Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

<< Spirits | Whisky - Scotch | Gold

Red

White

Lark Distilling Co Forty Spotted Wild Rose Australia

Polini Group Scotland - Glen Forest

SILVER

Berry Bros. & Rudd Scotland - Classic Range Peated Cask Blended Malt Scotch Whisky - Classic Range Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Glasgow Whisky Distillers Scotland - Member's Mark 21YO Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

WHISKIES - WORLDWIDE GOLD

Lark Distillery Australia - Classic Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky Sakurao Distillery Japan - Sakurao Single Malt Japanese Whisky 1st Release Cask Strength

SILVER

Lark Distillery Australia - Chinotto Cask Release - Classic Cask Starward Australia - Fortis - Ginger Beer Cask #6 - Nova - Solera - Unexpeated The Cotswolds Distillery England - Founder's Choice Single Malt Whiskey Craft Spirits France - Harmonie By Alfred Giraud French Malt Whisky - Heritage By Alfred Giraud French Malt Whisky SLYRS Destillerie Germany - SLYRS Malt Whisky - SLYRS Single Malt Whisky Aged 12 Years - SLYRS Single Malt Whisky Classic - SLYRS Single Malt Whisky Fifty One Kanosuke Distillery << Spirits | Whisky - Worldwide | Silver

Original Spirit Co. Original Wild Sloe Australia

Spirits | Whisky - Worldwide | Silver >>

Japan - Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2021 First Edition Sakurao Distillery Japan - Togouchi Single Malt Japanese Whisky 1st Release Cask Strength Yoshino Spirits Japan - Kamiki Intense Wood Whisky

BRONZE

Archie Rose Distiling Australia - Rye Malt Whiskey - Single Malt Whiskey - White Rye Lark Distillery Australia - Ruby Pinot Release Starward Australia - Two-Fold Blackfox Farm and Distillery Canada - SE Eleven Canadian Whisky - Single Grain SLYRS Destillerie Germany - SLYRS Single Malt Whisky Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish Hong Kong Distillery Hong Kong - Hk Whisky Single Malt Broken Heart Spirits New Zealand - Broken Heart Spiced Whiskey

BEER | LISTED BY TYPE INDIAN PALE GOLD

Black Kite Brewery Hong Kong - Taxi Driver Red IPA Carbon Brews Hong Kong - Crazy Rich Lupulins - Like The Wind Deadman Brewery Hong Kong << Beer | Indian Pale | Gold

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

49

Two Moons Distillery Signature Dry Gin Hong Kong

Silver Award winner in 2018 HK IWSC The Shropshire Gin Company Tiger Gin Midlands, England

Feingeisterei 5 Continents Gin Germany

Beer | Pale Ale | Silver >>

Beer | Indian Pale | Gold >>

Beer | Porter / Stout | Silver >>

Hong Kong Beer Company Hong Kong - Sunset Peak Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Hea Session - CBD

- Hop Robber Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Jeng

SILVER

Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Dazed - Dirty Pale Ale - Hang 5 -N - Roll Heroes Beer Co. Hong Kong - Cereusly - Kupzzy - Si L Dan Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Beer Hug

BRONZE

Hong Kong Beer Company Hong Kong - Gamblers Gold Moonzen Brewery Hong Kong - Thundergod Ale Yardley Brothers Hong Kong - Trashwave

Black Kite Brewery Hong Kong - Negroni Black DIPA Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Rock Hong Kong Beer Company Hong Kong - Big Wave Bay Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - 1842 Island - Yellow Mare Black Stallion

PALE ALE

GOLD

Carbon Brews Hong Kong - Earth People Cervezas Virtus Spain - Virtus Pilsen Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - 5000 Years Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Captain's Bar Beer - Contemporary Pilsner - Three Butchers

BRONZE

Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Another One - Classic Pale Ale

Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Oktoberfeast

SILVER

PORTER / STOUT

<< Beer | Pale Ale | Silver

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Carbon Brews Hong Kong - Dark Soul Bourbon Heroes Beer Co. Hong Kong - Bench Boss Moonzen Brewery Hong Kong - Kitchen God Porter Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Black Impermanence (Unaged) Cerveceros Artesanos de Castilla Y León Spain - La Milana 'Tarrazu' - La Milana 'Yirga'

BRONZE

SOUR

SILVER

GOLD

Black Kite Brewery Hong Kong - Easy Glider Golden Ale - Summer Breeze Summer Ale Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Life's A Beach

SILVER

Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Crazy Rabbits - Holy Moly Jose Luis Del Campo Spain - Las Llaves de San Pedro Stout

PALE LAGER

BRONZE

50

Third Eye Distillery Stranger & Sons Gin Goa, India

GOLD

Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Tamjai Samgor Wula Stout

GOLD

Carbon Brews Hong Kong - Funky Rich Lupulins V3 Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Izakaya In Berlin - Luna

SILVER

Black Kite Brewery Hong Kong - Pins And Needles Passionfruit Sour - Pins And Needles Salted Plum Gose Carbon Brews Hong Kong - Sour Punch Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Cha Chaan Teng Sour - Owl's Gaze

<< Beer | Porter / Stout | Gold

<< Beer | Sour | Silver

Red

White

Rosé

Carbon Brews Crazy Rich Lupulins Hong Kong

Gold Award winner in 2020 HK IWSC Godo Shusei Tokyo Nights Japanese Gin Japan

MCG Inc. Keyaki Miyagi, Japan

Craft Link Ginologist Floral Gauteng, South Africa

Beer | Specialty | Bronze >>

Beer | Sour | Bronze >>

BRONZE

Black Kite Brewery Hong Kong - Pins And Needles Blackcurrant - Pins And Needles Tamarind Sour Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Glazed - Tamjai Samgor Mala Gose

Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - OVT Pilsner Cerveceros Artesanos de Castilla Y León Spain - La Milana 'Tostada' Cerveza Mica - Pasion Del Duero Spain - Experiencias Salvajes Spicy

SPECIALTY

WHEAT

Heroes Beer Co Hong Kong - Hunk Sir Yardley Brothers Hong Kong - Bugs II: Gamay Noir A Jus Blanc - Mango Sticky Mango Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Dolce & Banana Cerveza Mica - Pasion Del Duero Spain - Toro Imperial Stout

Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Fleeting Clouds

GOLD

GOLD

SILVER

Moonzen Brewery Hong Kong - Monkey King Amber Ale - Monkey King Oktolager Oh CBD Beer HK Hong Kong - CBD Session IPL - Sacro Young Master Brewery Hong Kong - Dad Bod

BRONZE

Deadman Brewery Hong Kong - Pineapple Express Heroes Beer Co Hong Kong - Hangry Donut Oh CBD Beer HK Hong Kong - Aitai Yardley Brothers Hong Kong - Fika

White

Carbon Brews South Korea - Feels Good Man

BRONZE

Moonzen Brewery Hong Kong - Pearl Dragon Hefeweizen

FOOD PAIRING LISTED BY TYPE

PAIRING WITH BEEF TONGUE SKEWER GOLD

DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Jackson Family Wines USA Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir 2016

SILVER

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Asukawine Japan Asukasparklingdelaware 2019 Château Mercian Japan Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris 2020 << Beer | Specialty | Bronze

Red

SILVER

<< Pairing With Beef Tongue Skewer | Silver

Pairing With Beef Tongue Skewer | Silver >>

DFJ Vinhos Portugal Escada T. Nacional 2020 Marisco Vineyards New Zealand Leefield Station Pinot Noir 2020 The Ned Pinot Noir 2020 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Blended Red 2019 Monsoon Valley Shiraz 2018 Tsuno Wine Japan Makiuchi Vineyard Onoshita Estate Chardonnay #5 2020

BRONZE

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry DFJ Vinhos Japan Portada Medium Sweet Red 2020 Portada Medium Sweet Rosé 2020 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Signature Red 2018

PAIRING WITH CHINESE CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAP GOLD

Domäne Roland Chan Austria Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Höll 2019

SILVER

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection White 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Marisco Vineyards New Zealand The Ned Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Tsuno Wine Japan Makiuchi Vineyard Unwooded Chardonnay 2020

<< Pairing With Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wrap | Silver

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

51

Carbon Brews Funky Rich Lupulins V3 Hong Kong

Best Beer in 2020 HK IWSC Deadman Brewery Hop Robber Hong Kong

Black Kite Brewery Taxi Driver Red IPA Hong Kong

Pairing With Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wrap | Bronze >>

BRONZE

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Château Mercian Japan Château Mercian Yamanashi Koshu 2020 DFJ Vinhos Portugal Grand`Arte Alvarinho 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Jackson Family Wines USA Copain 2017 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Blended Red 2019

PAIRING WITH CHINESE FRIED STRING BEANS WITH MINCED/GROUNDED PORK GOLD

DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020

SILVER

DFJ Vinhos Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry DFJ Vinhos Portugal Escada T. Nacional 2020 Shottesbrooke Vineyards Australia Shottesbrooke Estate Series Gsm 2019 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Blended Red 2019

BRONZE

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Medium Sweet White 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Portada Medium Sweet Rosé 2020 << Pairing With Chinese Fried String Beans With Minced/Grounded Pork | Bronze 52

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Pairing With Chinese Fried String Beans With Minced/ Grounded Pork | Bronze >>

Jackson Family Wines USA Willakenzie Estate 2018 Kanosuke Distillery Japan Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2021 First Edition

PAIRING WITH GRILLED CHICKEN MEATBALL SKEWER GOLD

DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Tsuno Wine Japan Makiuchi Vineyard Shiramizu Unfiltered Chardonnay #6-B 2020

SILVER

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry DFJ Vinhos Portugal Escada T. Nacional 2020 Domäne Roland Chan Austria Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Höll 2019

BRONZE

Asoke Valley Winery Thailand Granmonte Sakuna Rosé 2020 Bodegas Valoria Spain Viña Valoria Reserva 2014 Château Mercian Japan Château Mercian Yamanashi Muscat Bailey A 2019 DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Jackson Family Wines Australia Giant Steps Yarra Valley Chardonnay 2020 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Blended Red 2019 << Pairing With Grilled Chicken Meatball Skewer | Bronze

Heroes Beer Co. Hunk Sir Hong Kong

Pairing With Indian Lamb Seekh Kebab | Gold>>

PAIRING WITH INDIAN LAMB SEEKH KEBAB GOLD

DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection Red 2020 Jackson Family Wines USA La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2018 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Shiraz 2018

SILVER

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Bodegas Valoria Spain Viña Valoria Crianza 2018 DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Medium Sweet Rosé 2020 Portada Medium Sweet Red 2020 Escada T. Nacional 2020 Laurenz V - Laurenz Five Fine Wine Austria Forbidden by Laurenz V. 2020 Marisco Vineyards New Zealand Leefield Station Pinot Noir 2020 The Ned Pinot Noir 2020

BRONZE

Tsuno Wine Japan Osuzu Vineyard Series Campbell Early 2020 Wooing Tree Vineyard New Zealand Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2019

PAIRING WITH POMELO SALAD GOLD

Marisco Vineyards New Zealand The Ned Pinot Gris 2021

<< Pairing With Pomelo Salad | Gold

Red

White

Rosé

Yardley Brothers Mango Sticky Mango Hong Kong

Gold Award winner in 2020 HK IWSC Yardley Brothers Bugs II: Gamay Noir A Jus Blanc Hong Kong

Young Master Brewery Izakaya In Berlin Hong Kong

Young Master Brewery Jeng Hong Kong

Pairing With Pomelo Salad | Silver >>

SILVER

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Asukawine Japan Asukadelaware 2020 DFJ Vinhos Portugal Portada Winemaker's Selection White 2020 Grand`Arte Alvarinho 2020 Portada Winemaker's Selection Rosé 2020 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Colombard 2020 Monsoon Valley Colombard 2021 Monsoon Valley White Shiraz 2021

Cerveza Mica - Pasion Del Duero Toro Imperial Stout Castilla y Leon, Spain

Cervezas Virtus Virtus Pilsen Castilla y Leon, Spain

BRONZE

3GP Italy Fiol Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Asoke Valley Winery Thailand Granmonte Spring Unwooded Chenin Blanc 2020 Château Mercian Japan Château Mercian Fuefuki Koshu Gris de Gris 2020 DFJ Vinhos Portugal Escada Reserva 2020 Jackson Family Wines USA Kendall-Jackson Vintners Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2020 Siam Winery Thailand Monsoon Valley Brut Prestige Tsuno Wine Japan Makiuchi Private Reserve Koshu 2020

<< Pairing With Pomelo Salad | Bronze

Red

White

Rosé CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

53

PLAYING IN THE DIRT

54

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

C

leighten Cornelius, senior winemaker at Mud House, New Zealand, believes the best wines let the vineyards speak for themselves. His single vineyard wines are a ballad to the soil and scenery that inspire his creations.

Mud House crafts beautiful wines sourced from three distinct wine regions in New Zealand’s picturesque South Island, Marlborough, Central Otago and the Waipara Valley. The sites, surrounded by stunning mountain wilderness, were all carefully selected for their natural advantages. Cornelius, together with winemaker Krystal Palmer, aim to interfere as little as possible with the grapes and embrace restraint in their winemaking.

“It’s important to know when not to do things,” Cornelius says. “As winemakers, it’s not necessarily what we as humans input, it’s also about letting the wines express themselves, like the silent notes in music that are just as important as the sounds.

Most of the time, the fruit from the vines is so good that it just takes us not to muck it up or transform it into something it isn’t.”

Mud House was founded by a courageous couple who came ashore at the start of a sailing tour around the globe. They were awestruck by New Zealand’s landscape and abandoned their ocean faring dream to setup in this amazing corner of the world. Mud House got its name from the home they dug from the ground, and the winery carries their pioneering spirit through every vintage.

“There is a sense of adventure all around us, we’re surrounded by mountains, so it makes it easy to portray that in our wines.”

Cornelius and Palmer are always trialling new things and testing the boundaries.

“We’re not scared to try something new—within reason,” Cornelius reveals.

As an example of the duo’s daring approach to their craft, grapes for the Mud House Single Vineyard Woolshed Sauvignon Blanc are handpicked and barrel fermented with skin contact.

Experimentation with restraint is a hallmark of Mud House wines. Cornelius has learned the fine art of how and when to take measured risks during in his decadelong career. He understands it’s important to know when to hold back, and not push things too far. His approach hasn’t always been that controlled: “I was a bit gung-ho when I was younger. It was good to have mentors there to say, ‘Well hold on a minute! It’s good to push the boundaries, but the wine’s got to be drinkable!’”

NATURAL CHOICE Winemaking was an obvious career choice for the Marlborough boy, who grew up surrounded by grapevines. “I wasn’t always into wine, but when it came time to decide what to do, winemaking struck me as a good combination of science, which I’ve always been into, and creativity.” he said. “The creative side of winemaking just resonates with me—every year the grapes are different, you need to adjust and evolve.”

Cornelius holds a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University.

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

55

After his studies, the opportunity to travel to enhance his craft appealed to Cornelius’s adventurous side. In 2006, he visited Burgundy and worked on the vintage there.

flavours and richness really came out, making the quality of the wines sensational across the board. “It made my job really easy,” Cornelius smiles.

“You can’t go past Burgundy when it comes to pinot noir. I was in Chambolle-Musigny at Domaine Roumier. That’s where I learned there’s power in subtlety. Wines don’t have to be big, worked, tannic beasts; there’s a feminine side to it all. The wines at Domaine Roumier were feminine, but so powerful. They’re fantastic.”

MEASURE OF SUCCESS A small player by global standards—and even by Marlborough’s—Mud House frequently sells out of its 14,000 tonnes of wine per vintage.

After Burgundy came Rheingau, Germany where Cornelius spent six weeks learning the importance of staying true to the wine. “The wines that interested me at that stage were all about letting the vineyard speak for itself and keeping the final result fresh and juicy.”

France and Germany were formative influences on Cornelius’s early career, but he learned the most on a trip to Cyprus in 2009.

Fascinated by geology, Cyprus opened his eyes to how the land can impact a wine style and how a winemaker should approach grapes grown in different soil types.

“Cyprus is amazing. One side of the valley had very dark soil, the other side was completely white, so the contrast was huge and the flavours that you get from that are incredible. Apart from the weather, geology is the most important thing in viticulture,” he acknowledges.

“As a winemaker, the biggest compliment I can receive is when people are drinking our wines and it’s selling out.”

Accolade Fine Wines represents Mud House in Asia, where its cuisine-friendly styles of crisp white varieties (sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, riesling, chardonnay), refreshing rosé and rich aromatic reds like pinot noir are popular.

“Our delicate wines offer a slightly dry finish, characteristic of the Mud House style, that ensures they are great for any occasion and partner well with an array of Asian cuisines,” said Emily White, Accolade’s global brand manager. “No matter where you are in the world, you’ll sense the taste of adventure when you open a bottle of Mud House.

Unlike New Zealand, Burgundy and Rheingau, Cyprus’s warm climate has a unique set of challenges. “Some days were hard, it was 35 degrees at 9am, and grapes would just turn up, unannounced. The conditions in Cyprus were unlike anything else I’ve experienced. It was great to experience another side of viticulture and winemaking.”

The problem-solving skills he learned in Cyprus gave Cornelius a different perspective. “We’re very fortunate in New Zealand that we don’t have hot vineyards. There are certain spoilages that can happen from time to time, that’s just the nature of the beast, but it’s nice to know there’s a backstop if things don’t go well. I don’t let myself get flustered.”

His travels also exposed the winemaker to different varieties.

While Burgundy upped his proficiency in pinot noir, and he savoured rielsing’s natural talents in Rheingau, he got a buzz for rosé in Cyprus.

“They’ve got a lot of varieties there that we don’t have here, but also some that we do. It was good to learn how to deal with those, which helps build a good back catalogue of how to do things here in New Zealand.”

Now, with a young family, Cornelius has put his travel aspirations on hold to focus on his winemaking at Mud House.

“There are parallels that can be drawn between other countries and Marlborough. We have some calcium soils, we have some heavier soils, a lot of them are alluvial greywacke, well-draining, we have a lot of clays too—Marlborough is just a bag of goodness in a way. We could have a vineyard here in Marlborough just a hundred meters from another vineyard, and the soil profiles are completely different. That’s why we pick and ferment everything separately and blend later: because you just don’t know how it’s going to turn out from year to year.”

This year is shaping up to be a warm, wet summer for Mud House. Last year was warm and the early pick meant the 56

SPIT JOURNAL 2021

Mud House dials down its wine's heat and acidity, with an eye to Asian palates.

“We stopped the ferment of our riesling early so the wine has a lot of sweetness and balance. It’s refreshing and juicy, which suits the hotter climate in east Asia. We pick our pinot gris when it’s ripe, so it has alcohol at the backend and a bit of pseudosweetness. Our sauvignon blanc is getting more popular in Asia, too. We have a new vineyard at the woolshed that produces the Mud House Single Vineyard Woolshed Sauvignon Blanc, which is less acidic and well-suited to drinkers in Asia.”

Mud House’s whites and pinot noir make their wines a great match to Asian menus. “When it comes to Asian food and wine, I like a little bit of spice—not so much that I have to endure it; I like to enjoy it. I find that our pinot gris makes a good pairing with anything spicy, and you just can’t go past pinot noir and duck.”

This year, Cornelius loaned his well-trained tastebuds to the HK IWSC as an international wine judge at-large. “I love being involved in Asian markets. As winemakers, we try to find new ways to suit different drinking situations. Our riesling and pinot gris suit people’s palates and match up well with the cuisines that are served on Asian tables.”

From humble beginnings in a mud hutt Marlborough, Cleighten Cornelius and Mud House are bringing a taste of New Zealand’s spirit of adventure to Asia.

CATHAY HK IWSC 2021

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