Shanghai's sexiest sommeliers share their most orgasmic wines(2)
Vivian Tian
Hometown: Zhangye, Gansu Province
Restaurant: KEE Club, 796 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Maoming Lu 淮海中路796号近茂名路, +86 21 3395 0888
How did you first get interested in wine?
I went to hotel management school in Switzerland in 2004 and our tutor in the wine course gave us very profound wine training. I fell in love with wine and tried to taste more and more. When I came back to China, I worked as a sommelier in the Hilton in Beijing and then the Peninsula in Hong Kong.
What’s a sexy date wine?
I recommend Champagne for its fine bubbles and the glamor of it; it always gives you romantic feelings. I would specifically recommend a rosé Champagne: Billecart Salmon Rosé. Every wine lover would say this has a very good balance between fruitiness and freshness and can provide an unforgettable drinking experience.
What's your personal ideal date wine?
I would choose a red wine, which pairs well with meat like Burgundy Pinot Chambolle Musigny Premier Cru, because I like the velvet texture and it offers very good red fruit backed up by very silky tannins and a round elegant taste. When I drink this wine I always feel very peaceful and relaxed.
What wine could give you an orgasm?
I just came back from Vienna where I was invited by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board. There I tasted some excellent Rieslings from a winery called Knoll. They have two Rieslings from their vineyard Smaragd that are absolutely beautiful. When I had them I felt like I was no longer standing on the ground, they really brought me up to heaven. They were full bodied, totally dry, with a high acid level but very integrated with fruitiness. Many white wines finish very quickly but this one could last a long time in my mouth.
