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Slideshow
Seven of the best wine lists in Asia
With a fine dining scene and burgeoning wine industry to rival world’s best, we count down China’s most impressive wine lists as decided by China’s Wine List of the Year Awards.
The Wine List of the Year awards were first established in 1994 in Australia to recognise and reward the “enormous investment in time, skill and resources that go into developing the best quality wine lists in any specific country.”
2013 marked the first year of China’s Wine List of the Year Awards, sponsored by Domaine Barons de Rothschild, which sees a panel of experts, including Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine and wine writers, judge China’s finest restaurants, hotels, cafes, brasseries and bistros, pubs, wine bars and clubs seeking out the best wine lists.
Co-Chairman Peter Forrestal, said: “As we have moved into the second year’s judging of China’s Wine List of the Year, the progress made has been the source of much delight. With many lists, it is clear that sommeliers have learnt a great deal and gained confidence from the experience of being involved in the Awards.
“Standards of presentation have risen, more emphasis is being placed on lists by the glass, and sommeliers are showing more national pride by celebrating China’s own, increasingly impressive wines.
“There is no question that the best wine lists of China deserve to be ranked among the world’s finest. These Awards show them to the world in all their splendour.”
This list features all of the 2014 finalists, including the overall winner from mainland China, and from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
Scroll through to see which restaurant’s wine lists made the cut ….
Camelia, Four Seasons Hotel Pudong, China
Cuisine: French
Wine list by Miss Ying Guo
Wine on list: 260 (16 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$$
By the glass: RMB 90 – RMB 190
The judges said: “A mere glimpse is all that’s needed to see there’s an expert at the helm. Sommelier Ying Guo presents an inspirational list, full of the brightest stars of the wine world – from famous icons to boutique gems. Regionality is taken seriously to ensure a true global experience is offered.”
210 Century Ave, Shanghai, China, 200120
Tel: +86 21 2036 8888
M on the Bund, China
Cuisine: Modern European
Wine list by Zhong Jun
Wine on list: 300 (32 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$$
By the glass: RMB 60 – RMB 140
The judges said: “Sensible, different and free of pretence – it’s divided into a short and long list – catering for the regular fine-diner and wine buff simultaneously. Top international producers are in abundance, with quality rising to the highest levels. Also refreshing to see a decent number of Chinese wines.”
You can view its wine list here.
No.5, The Bund, Shanghai 200002, China
Tel: +86 21 6350-9988
m-restaurantgroup.com/mbund/home.html
Sir Elly’s, The Peninsula Shanghai, China
Cuisine: Modern European
Wine list by Mr Jean Claude Terdjemane
Wine on list: 389 (24 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$$
By the glass: RMB 110 – RMB 270
The judges said: “Sip fine wine by-the-glass, admire the jaw-dropping view and peruse one of the most sophisticated lists in all of Shanghai. Meticulously organised by region, choose benchmark or emerging producers, from the world over. Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne all exceptional. Top dessert wine selection.”
No. 32 The Bund, Zhong Shan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200002
Tel: +86 21 2327 2888 ext. 6756
The Principal, Hong Kong
Cuisine: Contemporary
Wine list by Mr Senki Ma
Wine on list: 800 (21 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$
By the glass: HKD 55 – HKD 180
The judges said: “What an exciting and contemporary wine listing! Full marks for seeking out some of the smaller, more interesting producers in France and beyond. Bold and imaginative, the choices for Wines By The Glass are spot on making it hard to move on. But do move on! The back section is full of nice surprises.”
9 Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2563 3444
TRB, Beijing, China
Cuisine: European Continental
Wine list by Mr Charles Sow
Wine on list: 950 (15 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$
By the glass: RMB 88 – RMB 210
The judges said: “Wow. Here’s a list that shows understanding of traditional, fine wine and some of the more exciting, emerging wine regions, with an eye on the organic and biodynamic for good measure. Impressive in length and scope, an exceptional global list that dares to show some difference. Kudos.”
You can view its 88-page wine list here.
No.23 Shatan Beijie, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100009
Tel: +86 10 84002232
1. NAPA Wine Bar and Kitchen, China – Mainland China overall winner
Cuisine: Contemporary Continental
Wine list by Mr Edward Kok Seng Lee
Wine on list: 694 (42 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$$
The judges said: “Ever dreamed of ordering first growth Bordeaux by-the-glass? Napa Wine Bar and Kitchen has all five on offer, plus Opus One, Ch D’Yquem, fine Champagnes and a smart international selection. The main list is simply spectacular, with all bases covered, from the accessible to the iconic.”
The awards co-chairman, Peter Forrestal, added: “Shanghai and the Bund has never seen a wine bar quite like Napa. Taste exquisite wine from China or most parts of the world by the glass: or try five First Growths and Yquem. A scintillating list with great depth and breadth, and importantly, something for everyone.”
2F, 22 Zhongshan Dong Er Road,near Xin Yong’An Road, Shanghai 200002
Tel: 8621 63180057
1. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Taiwan – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan overall winner
Cuisine: French
Wine list by Mr Paul Lo
Wine on list: 3262 (18 by the glass)
Wine prices: $$$
By the glass: HKD 210 – HKD 560
The judges said: “A glittering subset of the great cellar found at the Grand Lisboa Hotel. Multiple vintages of the world’s best wines with critics’ scores listed as a guide. There’s a heady list of French classic plus numerous new world and Italian reds. A sensational wine by-the-glass selection – 18 in total.”
Peter Forrestal added: “Robuchon’s outstanding L’Atelier boasts a simply splendid treasure trove of the finest French wines; top vintages of the best Burgundies, Bordeaux, Rhones and Champagnes as well as classy wines from around the world to suit all budgets. A dazzling list by the glass, too.”
Shop 401, 4/F, The Landmark, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2166 9000