And the winners are …….
China’s Wine List of the Year 2018 – Mainland China
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Shanghai
As custodian of this winning list, the Award for
China’s ‘Outstanding Sommelier’ of the Year 2018 – Mainland China
Arneis Wu
“The latest reincarnation of France’s greatest chef opened on the Bund in 2016 and faithfully recreates Robuchon’s iconic dishes; while sommelier, Arneis Wu, has produced a 900 bottle wine list which celebrates the classic wines of the chef’s homeland. Diners can start by choosing from a small yet carefully chosen collection of vibrant, food-friendly wines by the glass or search the pages of the stunning Champagne list. There are extensive selections of Burgundy and Bordeaux: and lovers of the Loire, Alsace, and the Rhone will find much to delight them. Those needing to enjoy some of France (and the world’s) best wines will not be disappointed” Co-Chairman Peter Forrestal
China’s Wine List of the Year 2018 – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan
8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Hong Kong
As custodian of this winning list, the Award for
China’s ‘Outstanding Sommelier’ 2018 – Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan
Marino Braccu
“Chef Umberto Bombana has made a huge impact on the hospitality industry of China with four establishments in key cities around the country since 2010. His celebration of all things Italian has both food and wine at its core. Marino Braccu oversees a 1900 bottle list at his stylish Hong Kong restaurant which makes a huge statement about the scope, breadth and depth of the Italian wine industry. It covers a plethora of Italian indigenous grape varieties that abound from Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige in the North to proud Sicily in the South. Multiple vintages of its greatest wines, especially from Piedmont and Tuscany, will satisfy the most demanding winelover” Co-Chairman Peter Forrestal
Again in 2018 the big winners with China’s Wine List of the Year Awards are greater China’s Hospitality and Tourism Industries and greater China’s ever more discerning Consumers everywhere who benefit from the significant gains that are being achieved each year with the standard of greater China’s wine lists.
Every year the standard of the wine lists that showcase those industries and are available to those consumers continues to rise with the average score for all entrants in 2018 achieving 1.8 Glasses for the first time! This outstanding result across all entrants and across the country underpins the growing standard of China’s Wine Lists today.
Also, in 2018, for the first time 58% of entrants achieved either a 2 or a 3 Glass Award with the highest Level – 3 Glasses going this year to a record 25% of the Entrants!
In 2018 the most popular categories entered by applicants were firstly Best Wine by the Glass List followed again by Best Food and Wine Matching Wine List then Best Champagne List. Best Listing of Chinese Wines was strongly supported this year also which is a great trend for China’s growing Domestic Wine Industry to see and there was also strong support for one of the Award’s newest Categories – Best Luxury Wine Cellar List.
It is interesting also to see in 2018 the growth in entrants from the Independent Restaurant sector reflecting the increased focus by this category on creating outstanding wine offers for their customers and wanting to say so! Strong support also for the Best Medium List (100 wines) as well as the Best Small List (50 wines) categories – lists that the judges recognise are often harder to create well than large lists.
Finally, it’s great to hear of the impact on respective businesses that success in the Awards is bringing to those deserving of recognition and reward for the outstanding levels they are achieving.
2018 saw the introduction of two exciting new Awards – China’s Best Wine Lists – by Consumer Choice and China’s Best Wine List – by Sommelier Choice which enabled greater China’s enthusiastic Consumers and knowledgeable Sommeliers to vote for their favourite Wine Lists. These were both fun Awards and received great support with over 137,000 votes received for the Consumer Choice Awards alone! – see winners below.
Quote from 2018 Co-Chairman Peter Forrestal on the 2018 Awards … ”Competition for the main awards of China’s Wine List of the Year was typically close this year, showing the strength of the best wine lists in the country once again. These showed the skill and knowledge of the sommeliers in producing balanced lists that mirrored their customers interests and the commitment of restaurateurs in financing such lists. In the large hotels, there is a noticeable shift away from master lists with sommeliers giving their list personality and individuality. There has also been a welcome acceptance of the importance of By-the-Glass lists in the best restaurants. With a number of the judges visiting Beijing for the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, there was a heightened awareness of the massive strides that the Chinese wine industry is making. So, there was pleasure in seeing more Chinese restaurants featuring these wines on their lists. The competition for the substantial number of awards offered by China’s Wine List of the Year suggests a vigorous restaurant industry. Shanghai and Hong Kong are leading the way as far as the awards go but there are signs of challenges coming from around the country.
Quote from 2017 Co-Chairman Brian Julyan MS on the 2018 Awards …… ”The high standard exhibited by the finalists proves that last year’s outstanding winner was not a one off. Customers are provided with an excellent choice from an increasing range of countries and regions at price levels commensurate with the menus. The accuracy of the Lists gets better and better and it is pleasing to note that the Wine by the Glass lists have continued to improve and expand. Chinese wines receive International accolades and recognition, so they should find their way onto more lists, and particularly the Wine by the Glass programmes. The care and dedication of those responsible for compiling and maintaining these wine lists has provided another excellent and close fought competition”.
AWARD WINNERS & FINALISTS
China’s Wine List of the Year – Mainland China – L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Shanghai
China’s ‘Outstanding Sommelier’ – Mainland China – Arneis Wu
China’s Wine List of the Year– Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan – 8. Otto e Mezzo Bombana – Hong Kong
China’s ‘Outstanding Sommelier’ – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan – Marino Braccu
CHINA’S WINE LIST OF THE YEAR – FINALISTS
- • Sir Elly’s The Peninsula (Shanghai)
- • Le Comtoir de Pierre Gagnaire (Shanghai)
- • Tin Lung Heen (Hong Kong)
- • Caprice (Hong Kong)
CHINA’S WINE LIST OF THE YEAR – HALL OF FAME
– MAIN AWARD WINNERS –
- House of Roosevelt – Shanghai (2017)
- Yan Toh Heen – Hong Kong (2017)
- Hakkasan – Shanghai (2016)
- Aux Beaux Arts – Macau (2016)
- Franck – Shanghai (2015)
- Restaurant Petrus, Island Shangri-La – Hong Kong (2015)
- Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen – Shanghai (2014)
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Hong Kong (2014)
- Robuchon au Dôme, Grand Lisboa Hotel – Macau (2013)
CHINA’S WINE LIST OF THE YEAR – HALL OF FAME
– THREE TIME SPECIALIST AWARD WINNERS –
- Duke’s (Guangdong) Best List Southern China (2013, 2015, 2017)
- 121BC (Hong Kong) Best Wine Bar List (2014, 2015, 2016)
- Oyster & Wine Bar (Hong Kong) Best Wine by the Glass List (2013, 2015, 2016)
– INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS –
BEST WINE LIST – EASTERN CHINA
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Shanghai)
BEST WINE LIST – NORTHERN CHINA
BEST WINE LIST – SOUTHERN CHINA
BEST WINE LIST – WESTERN CHINA
BEST WINE LIST – HONG KONG SRA
- 8. Otto e Mezzo Bombana (Hong Kong)
BEST WINE LIST – MACAU SRA
BEST INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT WINE LIST
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Shanghai)
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT WINE LIST
- Tin Lung Heen (Hong Kong)
BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT WINE LIST
BEST CLUB WINE LIST
- Yong Foo Elite (Shanghai)
BEST WINE BAR LIST
- Café Grey Deluxe (Shanghai)
BEST NEW WINE LIST – opened in last year
- Xinrongji, Bund (Shanghai)
BEST SMALL WINE LIST – 50 wines maximum
BEST MEDIUM WINE LIST – 100 wines maximum
BEST WINES BY THE GLASS LIST– sponsored by Lucaris
- Restaurant Petrus (Hong Kong)
BEST FOOD & WINE MATCHING
BEST CHAMPAGNE LIST
- Oyster & Wine Bar (Hong Kong)
BEST SPARKLING WINE LIST
- House of Roosevelt (Shanghai)
BEST LISTING OF CHINESE WINES – sponsored by Cofco Great Wall
BEST LISTING OF CHINESE RICE WINES
- Beijing Jockey Club (Beijing)
BEST LISTING OF AUSTRALIAN WINES – sponsored by Wine Australia
BEST LISTING OF CALIFORNIAN WINES – sponsored by Hahn Family Wines
- Restaurant Petrus (Hong Kong)
BEST LISTING OF CHILEAN WINES
- House of Roosevelt (Shanghai)
BEST LISTING OF FRENCH WINES – sponsored by Maison Le Star
BEST LISTING OF GERMAN WINES
- House of Roosevelt (Shanghai)
BEST LISTING OF ITALIAN WINES – sponsored by Vinehoo.com
BEST LISTING OF NEW ZEALAND WINES – sponsored by New Zealand Wine
- House of Roosevelt (Shanghai)
BEST LISTING OF PORTUGESE WINES – sponsored by Quinta do Crasto
BEST LISTING OF RIOJA WINES – sponsored by Rioja Wines
- House of Roosevelt (Shanghai)
BEST SELECTION OF ONE COUNTRY’S WINES
- 8½ Otto e Mezzo (Hong Kong)
BEST APERITIF LIST
BEST DIGESTIF LIST
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Shanghai)
BEST WHISKY LIST
BEST COCKTAIL LIST
BEST BEER LIST
BEST LISTING OF NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
BEST INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE WINE LIST
BEST LUXURY WINE CELLAR LIST
- L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Shanghai)
BEST HOTEL GROUP WINE LIST
- EXCELLENT – Four Seasons
- OUTSTANDING – Grand Lisboa Ritz-Carlton Galaxy
BEST ‘Wines by the Glass’ LIST in a HOTEL GROUP
- EXCELLENT – Four Seasons
- OUTSTANDING – Ritz-Carlton Marriot
BEST RESTAURANT CHAIN WINE LIST
- EXCELLENT – 8. Otto e Mezzo Bombana Chain
- OUTSTANDING – Mortons Xinrongji
BEST WINE LIST BY SOMMELIER’S CHOICE – sponsored by Lindt
- HAKKASAN, Shanghai – JAMES TENG
BEST WINE LIST BY CUSTOMER’S CHOICE – Total 137,290 Votes
① BEST AIRLINES WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• XIAMEN AIRLINES – ：3,784 Votes
② BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• MITHAI – ：3,153 Votes
③ BEST WINE BAR & LOUNGE BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• DE CARBON BAR – ：2,281 Votes
④ BEST CANTONESE RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• JIN XUAN CHINESE RESTAURANT – THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI, PUDON – ：2,785 Votes
⑤ BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• XINRONGJI BUND – ：3590 Votes
⑥ BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMER’ CHOICE AWARD
• CAFÉ GRAY DELUXE, THE MIDDLE HOUSE –：2,077 Votes
⑦ BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• ACQUA – ：2,304 Votes
⑧ BEST MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• ARIA BAR, CHINA WORLD HOTEL, BEIJING – ：3,873 Votes
⑨ BEST STEAKHOUSE WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARD
• THE APRON –：3,088 Votes
⑩ BEST WESTERN & FUSION RESTAURANT WINE LIST BY CUSTOMERS’ CHOICE AWARDARIA,
• CHINA WORLD HOTEL, BEIJING – ：4,797 Votes
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Website: www.winelistoftheyear.cn
Email: awards@winelistoftheyear.com
TRADE ENQUIRIES – PLEASE CONTACT:
awards@winelistoftheyear.com for English enquiries
michael.zhang@winelistoftheyear.com for Chinese enquiries
MEDIA ENQUIRIES – PLEASE CONTACT:
awards@winelistoftheyear.com for English enquiries
michael.zhang@winelistoftheyear.com for Chinese enquiries
~ THANK YOU ~
On behalf of the Tourism and Hospitality Industries across greater China and discerning
consumers everywhere our sincere thanks to our Partners and Sponsors below who have
made these Awards possible –
CHINA’S WINE LISTS OF THE YEAR – 2018
Mainland China: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Shanghai)
This Shanghai restaurant follows in the footsteps of its Hong Kong sibling (2014) by winning the most prestigious award of China’s Wine List of the Year. It’s an impeccably balanced list which showcases the wines of France’s greatest regions. It begins, as the best lists do, with a selection that offers a choice of styles, grape varieties and price point. There are three champagnes: Veuve Clicquot Non-Vintage and its Rosé as well as the luxurious Krug Grande Cuvée; Loire varietals feature sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc and muscadet, and there’s a chardonnay from Meursault. L’Atelier’s list places the French wines in the context of other great wines from Europe by offering a riesling from the Mosel and a tempranillo dominant red from the Rioja.
The Champagne list is superb; balancing modestly-priced offerings from the major houses with growers’ bubblies, and cutting-edge producers with established family houses from all parts of the Champagne region. The list is particularly strong in luxury cuvées. The collection of Burgundies is similarly balanced from the less well-known aligoté to regional, premier cru and Grand Burgundies will thrill those who must try the best. The listing of Loire whites is exceptional while the wines from Alsace and the Rhone are a satisfying representation of those regions. Balance is maintained with reds from most parts of Bordeaux, at all price points. The stellar first growths are well-represented. Although the prime focus is on France, this is an international list which ranges around the world, offering excellence in its selection. However, there’s no doubting where its heart is. Co-Chairman of Judges, Peter Forrestal.
Arneis Wu: Sommelier
Hong Kong – Macau – Taiwan: 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana (Hong Kong)
With another ranking in San Pellegrino’s World’s Best 100 Restaurants, three Michelin stars and the prestigious title of 2018 Best List in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan in China’s Wine List of the Year, Otto e Mezzo Bombana 8. sits comfortably among the finest places to dine in Hong Kong. Named to honour Fredico Fellini’s seminal film, 8., Umberto Bombana serves food which is at once authentically Italian and modern, alongside a wine list which, while international in scope, is patriotically Italian at its heart.
The range of Italian wines by the glass is a delight; as is the choice of a rare Sicilian sparkling, a Chianti Classico, a Brunello and a Barolo. The range of bubblies includes a wonderful array of Champagne with the house favourite, Krug, featured in a unique collection. Franciacorta, has the starring role for Italian bubbly with vintages of the outstanding Bellavista back to 1988. The whites feature every possibility including falanghina, greco and fiano from Campania. The coverage of Barbaresco and Barolo, with multiple vintages of the finest producers, is awe-inspiring. The selection of the communes of Barolo indicate the depth of the list while more than a dozen vintages of Gaja, Giacomo Conterno, Aldo Conterno and Bruno Giacosa illustrate its quality. Lovers of Tuscany will be overjoyed at the similar treatment of this outstanding region. The great names are there: Antinori, Querciabella, Isole e Olena, Fontodi as well as more than ten vintages of Ornellaia and more than 25 of Sassicaia. Viva Italia! Co-Chairman of Judges, Peter Forrestal.
Marino Braccu: Sommelier
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