REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ASIA
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: ASIA ADVERTORIAL JAPAN’S FRENCH CONNECTION Exclusive Interview: Naoki Watanabe, Executive Officer – Suntory Wine International Tomi no Oka winery aging room Having studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux in the Institute of Vine and Wine Science, where he obtained a Diplôme national d’oenologue (National Oenology Diploma) in 1994, Naoki Watanabe researched reductive characters in wine under the supervision of Professor Denis Dubourdieu and had training at Chateau Lagrange and Chateau de Fieuzal. Back in Japan, Watanabe has been working with Tomi no Oka since the 1990’s, and since April 2018, presides R&D and general production of domestic wines as COO of the Wine Development and Production at Suntory. So, what is his most cherished memory from France? My internship at Chateau Lagrange, and the collaboration with Lafite (DBR), as well as climate-specific viticulture and winemaking. That has influenced the current style of Tomi Red, which combines a sensation of concentration with distinctive local characteristics of sweetness and softness. What creates the uniqueness of Japanese wine? Japanese wines are not tannic. Rather, they complement food in a well-mannered way. Generally, they tend to be softer, tender wines, rather than strong, flamboyant ones. What makes Tomi no Oka Winery different? These are wines made by the winery that pioneered the making of authentic Japanese wines. The style of Tomi Red is with a sensation of concentration that is also naturally sweet, tender, and soft. With Japanese Koshu grapes we also produce dry wines that combine the fresh, lively quality of Koshu with a softness that results from the climate at Tomi no Oka. Please tell me your dream. To produce wines at Tomi no Oka that bring out the distinctive qualities of the local climate and land, and grapes even more so than today. And move the hearts of people around the world with our wines. To reach the point where people recognize wines from Tomi no Oka in Yamanashi, Japan when they taste one. And to see more Japanese wines are enjoyed by people in Asia and around the world Level 1 / Stand J-65 Tomi Achieves Global Acclaim Suntory raises Japan’s wine to a world-class standard Suntory’s business started with wine. The first sale of Akadama Port Wine (now Akadama Sweet Wine) by the company’s founder, Shinjiro Torii in 1907, laid the foundation for the Suntory of today. In 1936, Shinjiro joined Zenbei Kawakami, the “father of Japanese viticulture”, in initiating management of a vineyard in the Tomi no Oka region of Yamanashi Prefecture. Operating their own vineyard and applying consistent winemaking methods, from the growing of European grapes exclusively for wine to the production and aging of the wine itself, Suntory developed the skills and know-how that culminated in Tomi, a red wine that represents Japan proudly throughout the world. This vineyard, spread out across the hills of the Tomi no Oka region of Yamanashi Prefecture, is known today as the Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery. The passion and skilled technique of Suntory’s viniculture experts gave birth to Tomi no Oka Winery’s flagship Tomi 1997, a wine that went on to win a gold medal in 2003 at Les Citadelles du Vin (an international wine and spirits competition held in the Bordeaux region of France), an historic first for Japanese wine. As such, Tomi no Oka Winery’s winemaking has come to achieve world acclaim. In 2010, wine made with 100% domestic grapes was positioned as “Japanese Wine”, and the consequent releases of the Tomi no Oka winery series and the Japan Premium series, wines that pursue uniquely Japanese tastes, have met with favourable response. This was followed by the Shiojiri Winery series in 2017, which was also received favourably DISTRIBUTORS China/Hong Kong/Macau ASC Fine Wines. www.asc-wines.com Singapore Beam Suntory Asia Pte Ltd. www.beamsuntory.com Level 1 / Stand J-65 18 VINEXPO DAILY / PREVIEW / THURSDAY 24 TH MAY 2018
WHERE TO GO IN Hong Kong Restaurants / Bars THE OPTIMIST – AN UPSCALE SPANISH RESTAURANT & BAR IN WAN CHAI With chic decor inspired by the bars of Barcelona, complete with vintage detailing and lush greenery, the Optimist’s up-scale environment is a great place for small group or intimate dinners just a stone’s throw from the convention centre, in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai. Try their excellent brunch buffet upstairs or go for à la carte downstairs. Dear diners, please note that reservations are for a dining time of 2 hours only. The Optimist is one of a number of restaurants belonging to the Pirata group in Hong Kong. The Optimist 239 G/F, Hennessy Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong Phone: +852 2433 3324 THE WOOLOOMOOLOO ROOFTOP BAR For drinks with clients, colleagues or friends at the end of the day, the rooftop bar above the Wooloomooloo steakhouse on Hennessy Road – ten minutes’ walk from the convention centre, is absolutely breath- taking. Housed on the 3 1st floor, the restaurant’s cool and contemporary dining room is fitted with full-length windows that frame the magnificent cityscape. But the biggest draw is the spacious open-air rooftop terrace, a haven for “after show” drinks with wrap-around views of bustling Wan Chai and beyond. Drop by for a drink or book out the venue for an event to remember. The rooftop can house around 100 people (mostly standing) on 120 sq m floor space. The Wooloomooloo Rooftop Bar 31/F & Rooftop - The Hennessy 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai Reservations: +852 2893 6960 Whatsapp: +852 9258 6522 Sight-seeing “A RIDE THROUGH HISTORY” Hong Kong is famous for its famous Victoria Harbour and city skyline. From the Wan Chai ferry pier next to the convention centre, taking the Star Ferry to the Victoria Harbour port (TST) is a cheap and excellent way to take in some great harbour views. arriving on the Kowloon side, the best place to see the skyline is from Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Take a relaxing stroll from the ferry station onto the Promenade, where you will find street performers exhibiting their talents on the Avenue of Stars. Every night at 8pm there’s a laser show on Victoria Harbour. The promenade is likely to be packed with people, but the sight is worth it. To get even more of the local flavour, try watching the light show from the Duk Ling – Hong Kong’s last remaining fishing junk – converted into a tourist vessel, on which one can savour a glass of wine and take in the ambiance. The Duk Ling picks up from Central and Kowloon TST piers. www.dukling.com.hk/en/home BIRDWATCHING IN HONG KONG PARK The Edward Youde Aviary of Hong Kong Park is located just next to the embarkation area of the Peak Tram in Hong Kong’s Central district. The aviary has a raised walkway that allows visitors to walk through the tree canopy, from which they can watch the birds, trees and plants at various elevations and the whole valley from different angles. The walkway is wheelchair accessible. Display panels with graphic and textual illustrations are erected at the entrance of the aviary to explain the structure and ecology of a tropical rain forest, with particular reference to the bird communities in the aviary. To avoid the presence of unsightly supporting poles inside the aviary, the suspending stainless-steel mesh spanning the entire valley are supported by four giant arches. The area enclosed by the mesh is approximately 3,000 square metres, with its highest point 30 metres above the valley floor. After walking around the park, why not stop by the adjacent (just opened this year) Murray Hotel, which has several excellent restaurants and a cosy bar. Opening Hours: The aviary is open from 9am to 5pm, while the larger park area is open from 6am to 11pm. 19, Cotton Tree Drive, Central, Hong Kong vinexpodaily.com VINEXPO DAILY / PREVIEW / THURSDAY 24 TH MAY 2018 19
