In vino veritas

American wine critic, James Suckling flew back to Bangkok recently to host the second edition of the “Great Wines of Italy”. Last year’s event, the first, was a massive success and Suckling promises that the 2015 chapter will be even better.
“If you like what we did last year, you’ll find this year far more promising. We are bringing in a selection of Italy’s most sought-after wines from prestigious international brands as well as several premium boutique wineries,” Suckling tells XP over a “pre-tasting” lunch at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel.
All the wineries and wines in the showcase have been hand-selected by Suckling himself.
“Every bottle achieved a score of 90 out of 100 points and above,” he says.
Part of the 2015 edition of the Great Wines of Italy Asia Tour, the Bangkok showcase is taking place at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel on November 29 and 30.
The first night has been set aside for an exclusive tasting priced at Bt10,000 per person. Wine lovers are invited to tour the various rooms of the Residence throughout the evening sampling cuisine at live stations prepared by Michelin-starred chef Massimo Mentasti, who is flying out from Italy especially for this one-night event.
Some 75 leading wines in the Italian wine world will also be present, each contributing a single, ultra-rare vintage bottle from as early as the ’50s to 2000 that will be on pour alongside the desserts – something never before seen at any wine event in Thailand.
“The tickets are sold out,” says Suckling, looking apologetic for only arranging 80 tickets for the first night.
However, the second night is probably the best choice for those who can live without a gastronomic treat. Tickets are a much more reasonable Bt999 and offer access to a similar premium wine list, albeit without the rare vintages.
First held in New York back in 2011, the Great Wines of Italy events have delighted wine lovers in the US, Europe, Hong Kong and Shanghai with more than 100 of the country’s best winemakers pouring their top selections.
The Great Wines Series reached Bangkok last year and featured 40 winemakers from 58 top vineyards from Sicily to Tuscany, Piedmont to Veneto and more than 120 wines awarded at least 90 points, along with a 2006 Valdicava Brunello Di Montalcino Madonna Del Piano Riserva that Suckling recognised with a perfect score of 100.
“This year is greater with 75 wine producers and a longer list of fine Italian wines,” he says.
Great Wines of Italy will lure even the most faithful disciple of French wines astray with its wonderful selection of wines made with nebbiolo, sangiovese, sagrantino, barbera, grignolino and other grapes unknown to local tipplers.
On both days, roughly 200 labels/individual wine types will be available for tasting. Names include Ornellaia, Solaia/Tignanello (Marchesi Antinori), Bibi Graetz and Roberto Voerzio.
All the wine has been air-freighted to Bangkok in refrigerated containers by sponsors Cathay Pacific to guarantee perfect temperatures. A selection of Italian appetisers will also be on offer, including specially imported cheeses, salamis and hams.

SPIT OR SWALLOW
The wine-tasting event will take place in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok on November 30.
From 6 to 8pm, wine lovers will enjoy large selection of Italian wine through a “walking tour”.
Tickets cost Bt999 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.