Move aside, Burgundy and Bordeaux, there’s a world of emerging wine regions waiting to be discovered. Singapore’s top sommeliers clue us in on some of these hidden gems
The late great Ernest Hemingway once said: “My only regret in life is that I didn’t drink more wine.” With today’s ever-evolving wine landscape, with plentiful options that often go beyond the old-money prestige and exclusivity of Burgundy and Bordeaux, there’s no room for that regret. Playing it safe is a surefire way to suck the fun out of any room. Of course, the comforting allure of Old-World wines remains rooted in tradition but there’s no denying the modern palate’s constant hunt for good quality pours from new regions waiting to be discovered.
Like it or not, the appetite for wine is growing for the next big thing in viticulture, and sommeliers, who have their finger on the pulse, know that all too well. To uncover these up-and-coming wine territories, Tatler Dining taps into the vinous expertise of Singapore’s top sommeliers for the best ones to watch.
Read more: The best gourmet wine bars in Singapore for a vinous pour
Hokkaido, Japan
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When it comes to Japanese wine, most enthusiasts may have heard about the prized wines from the rolling hills of Yamanashi or even the mountainous Nagano prefecture. But Hokkaido is also quickly becoming the centre of attention, thanks to its unique terroir and microclimate, resembling the renowned regions of Champagne and Alsace. “The region has great seasonal variations and water resources that are vital for winemaking,” says Lesley Liu, the head sommelier of three-Michelin-starred French restaurant Odette.
Echoing Liu’s sentiment is Roberto Duran, the head sommelier of private wine club 67 Pall Mall Singapore, and Mason Ng, the wine director of private wine club Park 90. Both men are equally excited to see the growing interest and demand for Japanese wines. As Ng explains: “Like Champagne and Jura, Hokkaido was once deemed unfit for making quality wines as it often produced light, diluted and green (unripe) wines. However, with global warming effects in play, these regions are now producing many good examples of perfectly ripe red wines.”