The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) was previously held exclusively in cities like London, New York, and Shanghai.
Its forthcoming introduction in Singapore is a significant step, establishing Singapore as a pivotal force in the international wine industry.
The very first DFWE to be held in Singapore will occur on October 26, 2024, featuring a major event known as the Grand Tasting.
This prestigious event’s arrival in Singapore, often affectionately referred to as the “Little Red Dot,” is met with enthusiasm from 57 global exhibitors ready to showcase their renowned wines, which are notable for their pedigree, provenance, terroir, and history.
CH’NG Poh Tiong, DWWA Judge and Keeper of the Quaich
DFWE Singapore will spoil guests for choice. The abundance includes some precious gems waiting to be discovered, including:
Having finally visited Croatia last July (a belated trip originally thwarted by the Covid pandemic), I was immensely impressed with that country’s indigenous Posip and Malvasia white wines. The latter is more well-known from neighbouring Italy but Croatian Malvazija also rocks. Istria’s Kabola Winery shines a light.
Having visited Cloudy Bay twice – the first time about 10 years ago – the world’s most famous Sauvignon Blanc outside Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume always thrills and tantalises. Can’t wait to discover how its prestige Te Koko 2015 evolves nearly a decade later.
Argentina has established a distinctive presence with Malbec, originally more common in Bordeaux, by consistently producing wines of exceptional quality. The un-grafted vines of Parcel Los Cerezos, first planted in 1929, are a unique treasure.
Vasse Felix honors its founder Tom Cullity, who started the winery in 1967, with its most intricate Bordeaux blend named after him. Cullity, a pioneer for Margaret River’s wine industry, was also a medical innovator who performed the first cardiac catheterization at Royal Perth Hospital in the 1950s.
Inverting traditional expectations, Chile’s renowned Chadwick family, behind Errazuriz, crafts their prestigious wine Sena using a mix of five Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Seña epitomizes a masterful blend, delivering a top-tier red wine experience.
Moët-Hennessy, a leading global wine and spirits entity, established Ao Yun in the secluded, mountainous region of Yunnan in the Himalayas of south-west China. Their winemaker, originally from Saint-Emilion, crafts a blend that includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and adds 6% Syrah as of 2020.
It is well acknowledged among lovers and producers of Bordeaux alike that if there were recommendations to elevate additional wines to First Growth status, Pichon Baron would likely be included. This Pauillac Super Second Growth has produced one of the top vintages of the past half-century with its stellar 2016 release.
The heartland of Sangiovese, Tuscany, stands out as Italy’s premier region for Bordeaux red varieties. Known for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Tuscany outshines even the best New World regions and mirrors Pomerol with its extraordinary Merlot productions.
Since its first release in 1992, Bodegas Remirez has redefined Tempranillo by aging it in predominantly new 225-litre Bordeaux barriques, adding a small proportion of Graciano and Viura grapes. The 2012 Reserva, especially from a double magnum, is a highlight not to be missed at this year’s inaugural Singapore Encounter.
Napa Valley is recognized as the Médoc of California, producing some of the most consistently excellent Bordeaux red blends found outside of France. Among these, a lesser-known gem named OVID. Located at an elevation of 410 meters on a remote mountainous tract, its iron-rich volcanic soil and favorable climatic conditions contribute to creating wines with a powerful character.
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Singapore
Date: Saturday 26 October 2024 from 11am to 5:30pm
Location: 22 Orange Grove Road 258350 Singapore
Price: Grand Tasting tickets SGD 165 | Masterclass tickets SGD 167 – SGD 600
All prices are subject to 9% government tax.