The week in pictures: Hong Kong

Despite Hong Kong temperatures plummeting to the lowest since 1957 (3C), dbHK braved the elements to host its ‘Mastering Barolo’ masterclass, learn about Asia’s fake wine industry and hole up at the Intercontinental for some Oregon Pinot Noir.

Everyday is Riesling day – or something to that effect as Etienne Hugel was back town to introduce his rebranded Estate & Grossi Laüe line – previously Tradition & Jubilee.

Ginsberg+Chan ran a fantastic tasting exploring “The Other Italy” with an impressive line up, including 1968 Mastroberardino Castelfranci Taurasi Riserva, 1989 Capannelle Vino da Tavola Rosso and 1964 Vallana Spanna Traversagna.

The BIVB hosted another Bourgogne Wines Club for members of the Hong Kong wine trade. Led by the wine director at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Yang Lu, the session focused on Pouilly Fuissé AOC and its ‘rock’star soils.

In the latest of dbHK’s masterclasses, Michael Palij MW guided the trade and consumers through the MGA system of Barolo which highlights 127 single vineyard ‘crus’ across its five communes.

The clouds that had obscured the view from Tosca at the Ritz Carlton finally parted in celebration of dbHK’s Barolo bash.

Able to spot a fake 1971 Romanée-Conti at 50 paces, expert David Wainwright spoke at a MWM Spit Conference on the dangers faced by the wine trade as collectors continue to demand extremely rare wine which helps drive the global counterfeit wine business.

What a pleasant way to end a freezing week – a hearty array of cheese and a selection of the new Pinot Noir in town from Oregon’s Saffron Fields in the Willamette Valley. Owner, Sanjeev Lahoti said he believed that New World Pinots suit the Asian palate, being more fruit-forward, lighter in tannins and very approachable in their youth, as opposed to their Old World counterparts.