Wine Wars(3)
Davide Valentini and Matteo Marzio
Italy
Italians Matteo Marzio and Davide Valentini learned their oenology from their Milanese family dinner table: "Italian families always have a small collection of wines from all over the peninsula alongside wines for daily consumption," says Valentini, spokesman for the duo, which set up Beijing-based Opera Wine, a distribution firm.
What's special about Italian wine?
A history of winemaking that spans thousands of years. Such long tradition is hard to find in other countries. Wine culture is so far developed in Europe?because of the expansion of the Roman Empire which brought about the laying of vineyards and modern winemaking techniques.? ?
What's your favorite wine?
Grand occasion wines. Amongst reds Barolo's power and class remind you?of a red Ferrari?alongside deeply terroir or land-influenced Montepulcianos. As for whites we like sparkling ones and Spumantes (wonderful Prosecco). Also, clear, slightly herbaceous ones with several layers of delicate aromas such as Friuli wines from northeastern Italy.
What's your favorite non-Italian wine?
Greek white wines have a very particular and appealing taste in spite of their relatively low popularity. Portuguese wines, especially Vinho Verde [green wine] and reds from the Alentejo region can be outstanding.
What's surprised you?most about the Chinese wine market?
The numbers and the fast-paced growth year on year.?China's wine market is already the world's fifth?largest and will soon reach the top three.
Who's your typical Chinese consumer?
Typical customers are often people (both genders alike) not much older than 40 who have some experience of the world by having traveled and/or studied abroad.
Why should the Chinese drink Italian wine?
Because of the uniqueness.?Cabernet grape wines can be found anywhere in the New World wine scene.?The same goes for many Chardonnays and Merlots. However, when talking about Aglianico, Chianti, Negramaro or Brunello, we talk about Italy and Italy only.?
What's the hottest Italian wine?you've got for China right now?
Sesto A Quinconce, a wine obtained from riserva-quality Aglianico made from grapes coming from vines of over 80 years of age.
