The week in pictures: Hong Kong

Devouring oxtail in chocolate sauce, tasting wines from Mount Etna, partying Spanish style and enjoying Trimbach’s finest Rieslings, it’s been a busy and decadent week for the db HK team.

Lovers of churros, chorizo, flamenco and flambéed jamón flocked to The Space over the weekend to celebrate La Feria, the traditional Sevillanos festival held two weeks after Easter. Organised by the Spanish Chamber in Hong Kong, the event attracted over two thousand visitors, many of whom danced until the small hours at the Seville Party.

As an introduction to Andrea Franchetti’s Tuscan and Sicilian wines, the db Hong Kong team feasted on a fiendish four-course lunch at 3 Michelin starred eatery, Otto e Mezzo. A particular favourite was the white asparagus and Iberico ham teamed with the 2008 Passopiscario Nevello Mascalese, grown 1,000m above sea level on the slopes of Mount Etna (pictured).

The team also went along to a Silverado tasting hosted by Enoteca and Silverado’s general manager, Russell Weis. Hong Kong has seen a resurgence in Californian Cab interest, said Weis and guided guests through a range of Cabernet and one Sauvignon, including Stag’s Leap much sought-after 2003 Solo Cabernet Sauvignon.

Anselmo Guerrieri Gonzaga, whose father owns famed Tuscan winery, San Leonardo speaks of Italian Super Tuscans as “always having a firm base in Hong Kong”, before hosting a tasting of the San Leonardo portfolio, including the newly launched Carmenère.

Continuing the Spanish feast theme, the db team visited Catalunya, a Catalan-inspired outfit helmed by a culinary team hailing from iconic eateries including El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca. Rafael Cañizares, co-owner and winemaker of La Mancha winery, Bodegas Volver talked through Volver’s wine selection which was paired with such gems as the oxtail with chocolate sauce (pictured).

Working through Maison Trimbach’s selection of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer at the Sheraton was a pleasant way to (almost) finish off the week. “Aromatics are becoming more popular in Hong Kong,” commented Jean Trimbach. “People are realising how well they go with spicy Asian cuisine.”

The week ended on a high with Link Concept’s 15th anniversary party at the Hong Kong Park View. Owner Patricio de la Fuente Saez thanked his customers in Asia and around the world and treated every guest to a bottle of his Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon gran riserva to take home, as well as a Chinese inspired eight-course feast.