Sakuramasamune Kinmare Junmaidaiginjo 40 wins the Fine SAKE Award
Lately, Sakuramasamune Kinmare Junmaidaiginjo 40 won the Gold Award in the Premium Daiginjo Category of the Fine SAKE Award, Japan.
Organized by the Fine SAKE Award Japan Executive Committee and inaugurated in 2011, this event has become a well-known sake competition in Japan with about 200 breweries nationwide handing in some 300 items in total. The winner sakes are judged through 7 scale evaluations by blind sensory test in Riedel wine glasses.
Judge Viewing
Why wine glass?
The original Japanese name of the Fine SAKE Award Japan is "ワイングラスでおいしい日本酒アワード", which means "the most delicious sake award in a wine glass". The Fine SAKE Award Japan Executive Committee believes that, instead of the traditional Japanese sake cup, the wine glass helps people better grasp the delicate aroma, subtle color and elegant taste of their sake. "Wine glasses are the best partner to bring out the secret charm of sake. We believe this will help sake, Japan's soul beverage, to be more recognized, and help the sake culture to be handed down to future generations."
Sakuramasamune Kinmare Junmaidaiginjo 40
樱正宗金稀纯米大吟酿40
Prefecture Hyogo
Rice Yamadanishiki
Polishing Ratio 40%
ABV 15%
The Kinmare Junmai Daiginjo 40 represents the well-balanced style of the brewery and has been awarded many gold medals in recognition of its superior taste. The Junmai, which means "pure rice sake" in Japanese, displays a complex blend of elegant fruity aromas and some rich umami flavors of rice. On the palate, it begins with a gentle and fruity feeling, then builds in a round savory taste, and finishes with lasting complex flavors. It reflects the spirit of the brewmasters with the skills and traditions passing down from generation to generation, creating the ultimate Kinmare Junmai Daiginjo 40.
CONTACTS EMW
Knight Hu
Saké Brand Manager, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966
Email: knight.hu@emw-wines.com
Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
EMW Signs a New Distribution Partnership in Mainland China with
Domaine Chantal Lescure
Shanghai, 7 April 2022 - East Meets West Fine Wines (Shanghai) Limited (EMW) and Domaine Chantal Lescure, a winery in Burgundy, France, signed an exclusive import and distribution agreement for Mainland China.
- A family-owned estate since 1975
Mainly located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France, and founded in 1975 by Chantal Lescure and Xavier Machard de Gramont, Domaine Chantal Lescure is a family estate that today operates a 19HA vineyard. Aymeric and Thibault Machard de Gramont, Chantal Lescure’s two sons, took over the estate after their mother died in 1996.
Domaine Chantal Lescure cellar
- From Burgundy AOC to Grand Cru AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure’s vineyards are made up of two parts: to the north on the slopes of Dijon, and the south to Meursault, owning some of the most admirable vineyards in Burgundy. Each year, wines are produced from its 35 plots.
In Les Vignots, one of the premium plots in Pommard, Domaine Chantal Lescure owns a plot where 35 years-old vines extend over one hectare. It is located on the right slope of Pommard (Beaune side) at 330 meters above sea level, next to Domaine Leroy. In Les Suchots, Domaine Chantal Lescure’s plot is planted with 15-to-50-year-old vines on 0.42 hectares. It is a deep, calcareous brown soil on scree from the alluvium which dominates this terroir. Beside it is the legendary Romanée-Saint-Vivant.
- Living terroirs, authentic wines
The philosophy of the estate is simple: to produce authentic and pure wines that are a precise reflection of their terroir.
Passionate and convinced that there is no great wine without great grapes, François Chavériat, the head winemaker, set up both in the vineyard and in the wine warehouse, working methods respectful of the soil, the vine and its environment, and grapes above all. The wines proposed represent a successful combination of modernity and authenticity of Burgundy wines.
Domaine Chantal Lescure is looking for optimal maturity thanks to naturally controlled yields. The winemaking team do a smooth vinification, attentive to the particularities of each terroir, and age their wines on lees, in 228 and 500-liter barrels. Bottling takes place at the estate, without filtration or fining. The vineyard is fully cultivated in certified organic farming since 2006; it is Bureau Veritas certified since 2021.
Domaine Chantal Lescure head winemaker François Chavériat
Domaine Chantal Lescure vineyard
Wine Portfolio
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Taupes Maison Dieu", Bourgogne AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Le Clos Des Topes Bizot" Rouge, Cote De Beaune AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Le Clos Des Topes Bizot" Blanc, Cote De Beaune AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, Volnay AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Chouacheux", Beaune 1er Cru AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Vignots", Pommard AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Vaumuriens", Pommard AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Bertins", Pommard 1er Cru AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Vallerots", Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, "Les Suchots", Vosne Romanee 1er Cru AOC
Domaine Chantal Lescure, Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru AOC
EMW Fine Wines
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 100 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 11 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge and WINE100 Challenge.
Contacts EMW
Dee Zhang EMW Brand Manager, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966
Email: dee.zhang@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
EMW Signs a New Distribution Partnership in Greater China with The Starting Point
Shanghai, 2 April 2022 - East Meets West Fine Wines (Shanghai) Limited (EMW) and The Starting Point, a winery in Ningxia, China, signed an exclusive omni-channel distribution agreement for Hong Kong and Macau, and an exclusive on-trade distribution agreement for Mainland China.
The Starting Point Winery is situated at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountains, Ningxia, where it has vineyards of about 15 hectares. When most winemakers just started growing grapes and making wines in Ningxia, The Starting Point had already secured a foothold there. The oldest vineyards of the estate date back to 1997, when it started reclaiming and cultivating the sandy soil and growing wine grapes. It is one of the pioneers in the Ningxia wine industry.
- True Expression of Ningxia Terroir
The Chinese name of the winery is composed of two Chinese characters - “源” and “点”. The triple dots on the left of “源” symbolize the Yellow River, which is the water source for the vineyards in Ningxia and cultivated the civilization and culture of the region for thousands of years. The four dots at the bottom of “点” symbolize the lofty Helan Mountain.
The eastern foothills of Helan Mountain lie at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters. The mid-temperate semi-arid continental climate with adequate sunshine and wide diurnal temperature difference imparts the grapes with pleasant ripeness and also the desired acidity. Besides, with the Helan Mountain blocking the eastward invasion of desert and cold air, this region stands out for high-quality grapes and fine wines.
The unique Ningxia terroir imparts an exceptional quality to the grapes, which are made into premium wines that give pure, true expression of the land in turn.
- Respect for Nature
The Starting Point adopts a low-carbon and environmentally friendly approach to vineyard management which minimizes manual intervention and respects nature.
The Starting Point imported grapevines from France and grew them in their 66.7-hectare vineyards in 1997. Now the grapevines are 23 years old on average. As an advocate of time-tested traditions and techniques such as natural farming, the winery uses cow manure from local farms as organic fertilizers to enrich and balance organic substances and microorganisms in the soil. Grapes are harvested by hand when they ripen. During the winemaking, almost no chemicals are added to the ingredients, not even sulfur dioxide.
- Amphora Orange Wine
The Starting Point Amphora Orange Wine is a pioneering natural wine among Chinese wineries. A traditional technique is used in the wine-making process, during which ceramic pots with wines are buried in the ground to make the soil absorb as much heat as possible generated during the fermentation. Meanwhile, the slight permeability of the ceramic pots allows the wines to come into contact with oxygen, which imparts complexity in aroma and flavor during the maturation.
This Amphora Orange Wine is an elegant combination of soft, delicate taste, fresh acidity and balanced tannin. The passage of time only enhances the characteristic color and aroma of this natural wine with great aging potentials.
The Starting Point vineyard
Old grapevines in The Starting Point vineyard
Olivier Six, CEO, EMW Fine Wines
“Chinese wineries have become an integral part of EMW's portfolio. The establishment of the partnership with The Starting Point has undoubtedly opened a new pathway for our wide-ranging distribution of Chinese fine wines. We're looking forward to working with The Starting Point to explore the terroir of Helan Mountain, Ningxia.”
Reisa Jiang, Owner, The Starting Point
“Chinese fine wine has only been somewhat recognized in the recent years. Farming the historical vineyards in China, we are proud and privileged to be the pioneering generation of vignerons to represent the unique terroir of the Helan Mountain in a natural, low human intervention way.”
Wine Portfolio
The Starting Point Amphora Orange Wine
The Starting Point Riesling
The Starting Point Syrah
The Starting Point Cabernet Sauvignon
EMW Fine Wines
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 100 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 11 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge and WINE100 Challenge.
Contacts EMW
Lois LIU Brand and Marketing Executive
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: lois.liu@emw-wines.com
Juanita YU Marketing Director, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
Gregory BIELOT EMW Managing Partner
E-mail: gregory.bielot@emw-wines.com
Hong Kong Office Address: Room 502, The Sun's Group Centre, 200 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
East Meets West Fine Wines Signs a New Distribution Partnership in Mainland China with Mystic Island
Shanghai, March 3rd, 2022 – East Meets West Fine Wines (Shanghai) Limited (EMW) and Mystic Island, a winery in Shandong, China, signed an exclusive on-trade distribution agreement for Mainland China.
Founded in 2008, Mystic Island is situated at the Qiushan Valley at the southern foot of Mount Qiu, Penglai, Yantai, Shandong. It is adjacent to the Mount Qiu Reservoir in the east and Domaine de Long Dai in the north. The estate is known for crafting premium wines and bringing together culture, art and ecology.
Penglai is the only China-based wine area among the seven major coastal wine regions in the world. The Mount Qiu Valley is an important wine area of Penglai. In Chinese mythology, there are three sacred mountains in the Bohai Sea, namely, Penglai, Yingzhou and Fangzhang, which are the abodes of the gods. Mount Qiu is named after Qiu Chuji, one of the Seven True Daoists of the North. The name of the winery – “Mystic Island” – is inspired by the myths, legends and long history of Penglai.
The vineyard of Mystic Island covers 8.84 hectares with an annual volume of about 32,000 bottles. Five grape varieties are planted there: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay. The winemaking process of the estate is underlined by harmonious coexistence with nature. It has reclaimed 172-level terraced plots based on the topography of the vineyard and the grape varieties, which impart complexity to its wines. Besides, the winery adopts a sustainable viticulture model for grape growing and vineyard management and reduces manual intervention in the winemaking process.
The brand logo and wine label of Mystic Island are also designed to pay a tribute to nature. The logo is composed of a mountain-shaped M and bottom lines that symbolize terraces and water. It is reminiscent of a landscape painting and represents the topography of the winery and the characteristics of the vineyard. The wine label resembles a masquerade mask and also a bird. The mask is a symbol of mystery. The bird is inspired by magpies that are seen everywhere in the winery. Like a family member and guardian of the winery, they watch over the beautiful vineyard silently year in, year out.
At this serene and vibrant land is also situated the Mystic Island Resort Villa. The main buildings are in the shape of a fan. The villa spaces centers around an open courtyard, providing a serene environment protected from the elements yet still linked with the outdoors. The height of the buildings decreases by degrees towards the east, west and south to align with the hillsides on both sides and blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
While pursuing eco-friendly growth, Mystic Island has been applying advanced technology to equipment innovation and talent cultivation. Its backbone members include James Bowskill, an expert in viticulture who used to work at Odyssey, Marlborough, New Zealand, and chief winemaker Allen Hedgman, who had worked for several international wineries. Mystic Island has received a number of domestic and international wine awards, including the 2021 FIWA Grand Gold Medal, the 2021 Berliner Wein Trophy Gold Medal and the 2020 AWSA Gold Medal.
Olivier Six, CEO, EMW Fine Wines
“When I visited Mystic Island for the first time, I was impressed by the vineyards, the winery, and the quality of their wines. They integrate technology with respect to nature and strive for a balance between them. EMW looks forward to teaming up with Mystic Island to bring wines that are characteristic of the terroirs of Penglai closer to consumers.”
Rita Cheung, Owner, Mystic Island
“It is with great pleasure to introduce to all wine lovers our Brand ‘YIHU’ from Mystic Island. We founded the company in 2008, and it was fulfilling to have achieved our original goals in securing jobs for villagers, creating new jobs in Qiushan Valley Wine District and protecting its environment. We are very glad to be in collaboration with EMW, with our mutual perspectives and visions. We believe that we can work hand in hand to create something amazing together. I hope you would enjoy our wines as much as I do and at the same time join us in supporting, and protecting the environment. Thank you and Cheers!”
Wine Portfolio
YIHU Mystic Valley Dry Red Wine, Shandong Penglai
YIHU Rose Wine, Shandong Penglai
YIHU Dry Red Wine, Shandong Penglai
YIHU Chardonnay Dry White Wine, Shandong Penglai
YIHU Petit Verdot Reserve Dry Red Wine, Shandong Penglai
YIHU Chardonnay Reserve Dry White Wine, Shandong Penglai
EMW Fine Wines
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 100 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 11 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge and WINE100 Challenge.
Contacts EMW
Lois LIU Brand and Marketing Executive
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: lois.liu@emw-wines.com
Juanita YU Marketing Director, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai
East Meets West Fine Wines Signs a New Distribution Partnership in Mainland China with Xige Estate
Shanghai, January 18th, 2022 – East Meets West Fine Wines (Shanghai) Limited (EMW) and Xige Estate, a winery in Ningxia, China, signed an exclusive on-trade distribution agreement for Mainland China.
Xige Estate, located in Gezi Mountain sub-region of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, was founded by Zhang Yanzhi in 2017. Over the past four years, it has won over 90 international wine awards and high scores from well-known wine critics, including a 94-point from Robert Parker team, which is a fairly high score on Chinese wines at that time, on Xige Estate Red Wine 2017. In 2020, they scored 90 points or more for over 95% of Xige wines.
Since its establishment, Xige has always followed its philosophy of making a good wine to express Ningxia terroir, focusing on decoding the relationship between terroirs and grape varieties to unlock the potential of wine representative of the region. Xige believes the authenticity of the local terroir allows grapes to truly express their characters, and Chinese wineries ought to produce wines that represent distinctive Chinese terroirs.
Xige Estate
Xige Vineyard with Beacon Tower
As a premium wine importer and leading brand builder in Greater China, EMW is a major supplier for fine dining restaurants and starred hotel groups in over 160 cities all around China. During the cooperation, EMW will provide professional service on developing new channels, and partner with Xige on providing a powerful product assortment and robust marketing promotion program to help improve Xige's brand awareness, upgrade its fine wine portfolio and be more competitive in the market. EMW will pass on more Xige wines of local terroirs to consumers.
Besides, this cooperation reveals EMW's confidence in the Chinese fine wine market. As a premier Chinese winery with both quality and volume, Xige is committed to having more consumers know about Chinese fine wines, while it is similar to EMW's goal to share more noteworthy wineries and brands with wine lovers all over China. Chinese wineries are believed to set the trend in near future for the local market.
Olivier Six, CEO, EMW Fine Wines
“The rapid development of Xige Estate is impressive, winning dozens of international awards in just four years after its establishment. With Mr. Zhang Yanzhi's hard work, he turned Xige into a well-known estate in China. We look forward to cooperating with Xige Estate, adding to our existing Chinese winery portfolio, developing our business, and working together to enhance the Chinese wine market.”
Zhang Yanzhi, Owner, Xige Estate
“EMW is an expert in the wine industry. They have a deep understanding of the Chinese wine market and are well versed in the fine dining business. It is an irresistible trend that the number of local fine wines on local on-trade channels will keep rising. We aim to be the leader of Chinese fine wines, so we ally with such a specialist to have a closer connection with the consumers who have high demands on wine quality, and to draw more of their attention to Chinese fine wines.”
Wine Portfolio
Jade Dove Red
Jade Dove White
Jade Dove Rose
Jade Dove Single Vineyard Cabernet Gernischt
Xige N50
Xige N28 Cabernet Sauvignon
Xige N28 Malbec
Xige N28 Chardonnay
EMW Fine Wines
EMW is a leading importer, distributor, and brand builder in the Greater China market, working closely with more than 100 family-owned and premium wine estates, sake breweries, and craft spirit producers from 16 countries worldwide. EMW has an unequaled distribution network to top restaurants, hotels, wine shops, online VIP customers, and an exclusive network of distribution covering over 160 cities in China. EMW has been awarded "Best Wine Importer" for 11 consecutive years since 2011 by China Sommeliers Wine Challenge and WINE100 Challenge.
Contacts EMW
Lois LIU Brand and Marketing Executive
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: lois.liu@emw-wines.com
Juanita YU EMW Marketing Director, Greater China
Tel: +86 (21) 6282 4966/8020
E-mail: juanita.yu@emw-wines.com
Shanghai Office Address: Unit 202, No.664 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai