So far, in our writing, we’ve focused on the guy on the street. We believe that everyone deserves to know what’s going on in the world of alcoholic beverages.
Yet, the folks who run the bars and serve your wines are just as important to us. As consummate professionals, opportunities for them to make new contacts and sharpen their skills are snapped up quickly.
Well, fortunately, The largest trade fair of its kind in Southeast Asia, ProWine Asia (Singapore) 2018 is just around the corner.
A Rising Tide
It might not be obvious to most, but Singaporeans have continued to drink increasing amounts of wine, despite increased tariffs. The growth in consumption (our rough estimates based on stats from…the taxman) has been pretty steady at about 2-3% a year. Astoundingly, Singapore is now a US$200 million dollar market.
Great news, but that’s not the whole picture.
Red wines still rule the roost in Singapore; we’ve been told it makes up about 70% of consumption, and our experiences have borne that out. Singaporeans have begun to get quite discerning about their wines. While they still love their Bordeaux blends, Australian Cabs and Italian reds (put an Amarone up for tasting and watch it practically evaporate), they have started to look a little further afield for their vino.
In part, there is increasing cost, and constricted supply for the “classic” wines that Singaporeans know well, leading us to sniff around for a good bargain.
The Singaporean palate has also grown more sophisticated, and, contrary to stereotypes, are now willing to go further afield for more exotic wines (how about a good Chilean Carmenere or maybe a nice, peppery Austrian Grüner Veltliner?)
And then, of course, there are natural wines. By far the fastest growing category, it’s a natural evolution from consumers taking their wines more seriously. Now, not only do they ask where the wine is made, but also how.
The question is, can bars and wine merchants in Singapore keep up with these trends?
Seeking Opportunity
Needs must as the devil drives, as we like to say; the economy is basically a great game of giving people what they want. Walking the tightrope between keeping traditionalist customers happy and new-age wine geeks excited is a delicate balancing act.
This presents both challenge and opportunity. For a country that imports almost all of what it drinks, this goes double. Securing a flow of wine and keeping pace with peers is the natural realm of the convention.
Well, fortuitously, ProWine Asia will be back this year.
Following the inaugural ProWine Asia (Singapore) in 2016, the sophomore effort will be held alongside the 21st edition of Food & Hotel Asia. The previous outing featured 258 established wine producers and distributors from 30 countries.
This time round, the ante has been upped; 300 trade exhibitors from 30 countries will participate, making it the largest trade fair of its type in Southeast Asia.
So in other words, a splendid opportunity to meet up with peers and forge connections.
Things to Look Out For
There is a good amount of the aforementioned biodynamic and organic wines on show, including some showcased by Singaporean company Two Grapes, showing off Ronda wines from Spain. We had the opportunity to try the Finca Los Frutales Garnacha 2014, which won the Silver Medal at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2017. It showcased the characteristic strawberry, red berry and cherry flavours of the grape varietal, but added nuanced flavours of vanilla, butter and toast. Very memorable indeed.
If one is looking for other organic or biodynamic wines, vendors such as Domaine de Malavieille, Antiche Terre dei Conti, and Bodega Cerron will be showcasing their wares.
For those who want something made using conventional techniques, the Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 2015, from Livermore Valley in California’s Central Coast region proved to be quite interesting. We found notes of pineapple, peaches and lemon, with the sweet flavour or ripe pears and vanilla providing the backbone.
Uncommon Finds
There is a whole host of wines, including Grand Crus made from international varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. The big Italian DOCG wines, the Barolos, Brunellos and Amarones will be amply represented as well.
There’s also somewhat more esoteric, and perhaps underappreciated wines such as French Gewürztraminers, Chilean Carmeneres and Tuscan Vernaccias. Great everyday wines such as Vacqueyras wines from the Rhone Valley, Gros Manseng from Southwestern France and Primitivo di Manduria from Apulia in Italy can offer both novelty and satisfaction.
If bubbly is more to your taste, then a trip to the Champagne Lounge might be in order. Rather than focusing solely on large Champagne houses, the increasingly popular category of small-scale Grower Champagnes will also be represented. Outside of France, a whole host of Italian Proseccos and Spanish Cavas will also be featured by various exhibitors.
There’s also plenty to see outside of wine, as various spirits and beers will also be on show. Check out Penderyn, a critically acclaimed Welsh Whisky, or Padre Azul, an award winning Tequila. Our friends at Parched have a short guide if you’re leaning in that direction.
Knowledge and Power
If one prefers a more guided approach to learning about the various wines, various masterclasses will be running throughout the convention period. Subjects such as Bordeaux wines, Chianti and even Southeast Asian wines will be covered.
Other speakers will also share their knowledge areas of interest such as Craft Beer, Sake and Whisky. Highlights include a masterclass by John Wei, brewmaster of local gypsy brewery Brewlander & Co. Our friends at Spirited have a comprehensive guide to all the stuff that you absolutely can’t miss.
Summing it All Up
If you’re in the Food and Beverage business, then this event is a golden opportunity for you to keep abreast of all developments in the wine and liquor.
Whether you want to take things at your own pace, walk around and taste the wares of one of the many exhibitors present, or you want to join structured masterclasses or seminars, there’s plenty to see, do, and learn. It might even be the start of a beautiful partnership.
For more information and registration, you can check out the event website at http://singapore.prowineasia.com/
This article has been brought to you in partnership with ProWine Asia.
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