Starry night: db Asia Winter tasting 2023 — Wine and Cider

Continuing our coverage of the Winter Tasting 2023, co-chair Cecilia Wong takes us through which wines shone brightest at the annual competition.

Wine is always popular in Asian markets, whether it’s a refreshing white or rosé as an aperitif before dinner, a bold red on a steak night or an oaked back vintage to share with family and friends as a celebration, and every wine lover has their own palate and personal preference.

With 16 white, rosé and red wines from France, Spain and Argentina blind tasted by a panel of expert judges for the drinks business Asia Winter Tasting 2023, the results are promising with two Master awards, seven Gold awards, four Silver awards and two Bronze awards.

This year’s panel include Cecilia Wong, co-chair of the drinks business Asia Masters; Juwan Kim, Head Sommelier at LPM Restaurant and Bar; Vincent Chue, Beverage Manager & Sommelier at Fireside; and Jonathan Leung, Private Account Manager at Berry Bros. & Rudd Hong Kong.

All 16 entries were categorised under white, rosé or red wine, unoaked or oaked, and judged according to price range, showcasing the diversity of expressions on offer. The two Master awards are from the same iconic Langeudoc winery.

One goes to Gérard Bertrand Clos du Temple 2022, from Languedoc-Cabrières, France, which is categorised under oaked rosé wine (HK$1,900-HK$2,000). A biodynamic wine which has been aged in French oak barrels for six months, it is a rosé blend made from grape varieties including Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Although expensive, all the judges found it very well balanced and gave it one of the highest scores in this competition.

The second Master goes to Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Rouge 2021, from IGP Aude Hauterive, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, categorised under oaked red wine (HK$550-HK$600). Another biodynamic wine, it is a red blend made from grape varieties including Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

This is another favourite of all the judges, who found it elegant and complex with great structure. Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Leung said: “It’s a bit jammy in the beginning, which I guess is from it’s warmer climate region. It’s well balanced and rounded with good acidity and high tannin. It’s more elegant after breathing. The acidity is charming, and I just want to drink another glass.”

Among the seven Gold awards in this competition, under the oaked white category (HK$550 -HK$600) there are two Gold winners: Domaine de l’Aigle Chardonnay 2022, from AOP Limoux, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, a biodynamic wine made from 100% Chardonnay, with “pale gold colour, aromatic and elegant, with good acidity and white flower, toasty, vanilla, white peach, citrus, popcorn and spices notes”, and Gérard Bertrand Cigalus Blanc 2022, from IGP Aude Hauterive, Languedoc-Roussillon, France – a biodynamic wine made from Chardonnay, Viognier and Sauvignon, with “pale gold colour, well balanced and lively, with ripe citrus fruits, toasty, honey, green apple, nutty and spices notes”.

The other five Gold medals fell into the oaked red wine category, though there was variation in the price of each wine. The most affordable of the bunch (price range HK$100 – HK$150) is La Purisima Old Vines Expression 2020, from Yelca, Levante, Spain, made from Monastrell, Syrah and Garnacha, with “deep ruby colour, aromatic and balance, with blackberries, black plums, dark chocolate, nutmeg, clove, toasty and spices notes”.

Cecilia Wong, co-chair of the drinks business Asia Masters commented: “It’s well-structured and good value for money with this quality and great concentration. It’s a great choice as a daily drinking wine.”

Another Gold award goes to Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec 2020, from Tupungato, Uco Valley, Argentina (HK$400 – HK$450) made from 100% Malbec, with “toasty, black cherries, graphite, black olive, tobacco leaf and spices notes”. This Doña Paula wine was remarked on by judge Vincent Chue for its “good aging potential”.

Under the price range of HK$550 – HK$600, the Gold winner goes to Domaine de l’Aigle Pinot Noir 2021, from Haute Vallée De L’aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, made from 100% Pinot Noir, with “light ruby color, elegant, floral, ripe raspberries, mineral, red cherries and spices notes”.

Another Gérard Bertrand Cuvée 101 2020, from Corbières, France, gained the producer yet another medal (HK$650 – HK$700), made from Carignan and Grenache, with “rounded, blackberry jam, black plums, black pepper, sweet spices and toasty notes”.

The last Gold award goes to Chateau l’Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge 2021, from AOP La Clape, France (HK$750 – HK$800) made from Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with “firm tannin and good structure with expressive blackcurrant, toasty, spices and herbal notes”.

Cider

Cider remains a niche market in Asia when compared to wine, but there are more and more craft cider brands entering the Asian market. In addition, the cider market in Japan is booming with more local cider brands launched domestically. Consumers who look for low alcohol options find cider a good alternative to beer, RTD or other mixers.