Hello, I trust you have all enjoyed some great Zinfandel paired with the most amazing Chinese cuisine? 

For the month of September, I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite Tuscan winemakers, namely Castello Banfi.

On the 3rd Friday of August we had the pleasure of tasting these delicate pieces of art, or as the Asia Manager for Castello Banfi, Mr. Paolo Fassina aptly describes it - ‘magic potion’, over a 6 course dinner in the Riviera Restaurant. It was a memorable soiree with great wines, great food and great company.

Castello Banfi was established in New York by an Italian-American family hailing from Connecticut and in honor of the matriarchs of the family. Its roots however are engraved in the slopes of Tuscany. It produces an enticing array of wines that include Le Rime, Col di Sasso, Cum Laude, Brunello de Montalcino & Rosa Regale, to name but a few.

Le Rime is the utmost interpretation of a young, round and crisp white wine with the perfect blending of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay with a straw-yellow color that makes it an easy to drink wine, as an aperitif or with light courses.

Col di Sasso is a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese blend with a ruby-red colour that is easy to drink with its balanced, spicy taste.

Cum Laude is a perfect blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Shiraz, a true ‘Super Tuscan’ with a powerful body and soft tannins perfectly paired with the most incredible cut, be it Angus or Wagyu.

Brunello di Montalcino is a timeless wine with a long aging potential. Made 100% from Sangiovese, it is best paired with red meats and game due to its perfect notes of vanilla on the nose, liquorice on the palate and a deep ruby colour on the eyes.

Rosa Regale came as a surprise to me, having heard the name but not the opportunity to taste it until our wine dinner; it was paired with an exquisite chocolate soufflé that was a match made in heaven. Made from Brachetto, a varietal with over 2000 years history that spans back to early Roman settlements, this red spumante with a story is a sweet symphony of tastes in anyone’s palate with hints of berries and almonds and incredible light red or dark pink colour. A truly delectable experience in all senses.

I invite you to enjoy these and many other wines paired with exquisite French cuisine at Riviera, a leisurely Italian buffet at Promenade and over a family or business gathering in Yan Ting. For those looking to sit back and enjoy the view, River Lounge presents the perfect opportunity as the summer heat subsides in Tianjin’s only river lounge.

I look forward then to welcoming you this month to experience the perfect pairing of our signature dishes and Castello Banfi wines.

Salud.