Working as a wine bar manager in Beijing, I had to learn fast that when customers (mainly local) say they want a sweeter red wine, they’re actually looking for a fruity one. The difference may be difficult to distinguish for those new to wine, but a fruity wine doesn’t necessarily have a high sugar content or classify as sweet or even semi-sweet. Many people looking for a “sweeter” red wine are actually looking for a dry red wine with a strong fruit palate and without a sweet aftertaste. The most suitable choices include grapes such as Bonarda, Pinot Noir, Pinotage and even Merlot. Enoteca’s Axis Zinfandel (U.S., ¥353) is also very popular among locals. While these tend to boast much stronger fruits on the nose and on the palate, they still deliver dry red wines of medium body (and often lighter budget). Though most are medium-bodied reds, there are some full-bodied wines worth exploring. Among them, Amarone della Valpolicella (for prices, contact Luciano Gasco at H&L Fine Wines: 136-9316-4174) might just be my favorite one.

Tomaz Hladnik, Manager of Enoteca