Earlier in May we announced that Sarment Wines & Spirits is expanding  its Italian wine category with stylish Veneto producer Buglioni, forging a multi-region partnership in China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Buglioni may be a relative new-comer to the wine industry but they have already left their mark in Veneto. Just 25 years ago, the adventurous and forward-thinking family stepped out of the fashion industry and discovered their true path by purchasing a vineyard estate in the heart of Valpolicella. They hired a young, passionate, local winemaker, Diego Bertoni, to run the estate and promote the traditional wine culture of this beautiful region.

To celebrate this new partnership throughout Asia-Pacific, Mariano Buglioni, the charming and charismatic owner of the estate, toured Shanghai, Hanghzhou and Hong Kong last week to train and motivate Sarment’s team and introduce the wines to a number of their top VIP customers.

Making the most of Mariano’s visit, Sarment’s team of experts arranged various events in Shanghai and Hong Kong including two masterclasses with top sommeliers, a press lunch with key media and industry influencers, two VIP dinner events and multiple visits to a selection of high level on trade accounts.

 The core selection tasted that are now available to buy through Sarment are as follows:

-      “Il Disperato”, Bianco delle Venezie IGT 2017, a still white wine from pure Garganega grape, fine, elegant and lonely in a land of red wines… yet certainly earning its place!

-      “L’Imperfetto”, a Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2015, showing elegant notes of ripe fruit, scents of spices and vanilla in a dry and intense wine, which envelopes and fills the mouth.

These were followed by the King of all Valpolicella wines, an Amarone Classico and an Amarone Riserva. Amarone is a wine for meditation; although originally it is the son of forgetfulness and serendipity! The first Amarone was made when some Recioto wine, left in barrels for a long time, had its sugars evolve into alcohol acquiring a dry finish, instead of the usual sweet one.

-      “Il Lussurioso”, an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015. Elegant layers of ripe fruits, raisins and spices, with scents of vanilla, tobacco, cocoa and liquorice. The mouth is persistent and warm in flavour, velvety and balanced.

-      “Teste Dure”, an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2010. With aromas of elegant cherry, ripe fruit and spices, and scents of vanilla, tobacco and liquorice, the mouth-filling palate is velvety, soft and enveloping.

The generosity of Buglioni didn’t stop here, however. A privileged few had the pleasure to taste very rare back vintages of the two Amarones, wines which Buglioni choses to produce only in the best of years:

-      “Il Lussurioso”, an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 (2014 being not produced)

-      “Teste Dure”, an Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2000 (the Amarone Riserva had only been produced in 2010, 2007 and 2000 to ensure the very finest quality!).

Tastings of these exclusive back vintages occurred at Shanghailander in Shanghai, and at the Sarment VIP dinner at Tosca and the Sommelier Masterclass at The China Club in Hong Kong.

Missed his visit? Fear not as Mariano is coming back to Asia in October to join the Nimbility Pavilion at  Vinexpo Shanghai where the surprises are set to continue!

For more information about Buglioni in Asia please contact info@nimbilityasia.com