Must tries: Philip Osenton of Wine Culture

I have started a series called  “must tries” on sibling blog Beijing Boyce in which I ask people working in the city’s bars, restaurants, and wine companies to give us the top picks from their menus and portfolios. I plan to post the wine picks on this site. (For the full series, see here). This time up: Philip Osenton, sales manager for North China for importer and distributor Wine Culture. Osenton, who includes a stint as sommelier at The Ritz London on his CV, gives us his picks from the company’s portfolio.

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What is the “must try” red from Wine Culture?

A highly acclaimed wine from Mclaren Vale in South Australia called Joseph Moda, produced by Joe Grilli at Primo Estate. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the 2006 vintage and what makes this wine stand out is that it’s made in the “Passito style” favoured in northern Italy in the production of Amarone. The grapes are air dried before pressing and this produces a wonderful rich and seductive wine with a big sweet toasty nose, lots of dark fruits, soft tannins and a long smooth finish. I love this wine with rack of lamb (Australian or New Zealand if you can find it). A bottle is RMB706.

What is the “must try” white from Wine Culture?

This would have to be the Sigalas Asyrthiko/Athiri 2007 from Santorini in Greece. With so many amazing wines from around the world it’s such a shame to stick with certain varieties from certain countries and this wine proves this point. A blend of two white grapes, 75% Asyrthiko and 25% Athiri, this wine is perfect after three years (says the winemaker), and medium to light bodied with green apple and citrus flavours and a crisp lemony finish. This wine works well as an aperitif or with seafood, particularly Aegean Kakavia (fish stew). A bottle is RMB211.

Finally, what is the “must try” value wine?

Would have to be the Casa Gulada Singular 2008 at RMB102. This wine is from La Mancha in the center of Spain and is a blend of Tempranillo, Bobal and Syrah. A modern winery that is producing some excellent and good value wines from a relatively new area for quality wines. Medium bodied with red cherry and raspberry fruits and a warm smooth ending. Very flexible with food, I like to serve mine with my Chorizo and tomato pasta dishes.

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