While many perceive wine as a luxury, or associate drinking with getting drunk, I am here to tell you, they’ve indeed been misinformed. Wine, is actually very affordable to most people. You do not need very high-priced bottles of wine to enjoy sips of happiness with your beloved friends and family and you need not overindulge to enjoy it.
In fact, blending wine into the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong is can provide a much needed relaxation at the end of a long day. What’s more, it might be a great idea to start with those bottles at 759 Store if you are new to the fascinating world of wine or you don’t want to break the bank.
Wines under $100 are often worth trying and some can taste lovely if you know how to pair them with the right foods. Here are 10 bottles that you can find at 759 stores, with a little information about their country of origin and how they taste:
1. Tussock Jumper – Carmenere 750ml HKD$85.9
Country of origin: Chile
This is the perfect choice for you if you are new to wine or you prefer wine that is light and low in tannins. Not only does Tussock Jumper’s Carmenere have an elegant ruby colour, its striking aromas of all sorts of berries are very enjoyable. Yet, this wine might be a better choice in winter when you are having a barbecue or hot pot with friends.
2. Barokes- Bubbly Rosé 300ml HKD$25
Country of origin: Australia
Despite being a sparkling wine, this is part of the Rosé family as well. Have you ever heard of the #RoséRevolution? Why hesitate when it is so trendy? This bubbly Rosé from Barokes is a good choice in terms of its taste, size (not those with 750ml that you can hardly finish on your own!), and jazzy appearance. The best way to enjoy this bubbly is to freeze it, then grab it with you before you go out to enjoy an outdoor event or festival.
3. Barokes- Bubbly Cabernet Shiraz 300ml HKD$25
Country of origin: Australia
Another bubbly from Barokes again! Yet this is very different, a blend between Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Without the flowery aroma and that fancy colour, this bubbly has a special aroma of sweet chocolate! Just grab one and go to the nearest beach for sunbathing or a picnic, it’s a delight under a sunny blue sky.
4. Fiorini- Pink Moscato 750ml HKD$105
Country of origin: Australia
After introducing two kinds of sparkling rosé and red from Australia, here comes a slightly sparkling white. This Pink Moscato has the aromas of fresh grapes, rose petals and honey. You will taste a pleasant sweetness with your first sip then enjoy the refreshing and fruity flavours beneath. What’s more, its alcohol content is only 7.5%, a perfect easy drinking wine on a hot summer day.
5. Giuliana- IGT Delle Venezie, White 750ml HKD$79
Country of origin: Italy
This white from Giuliana is made with Pinot Gris in Sicilia (another good choice for wine with low tannins). With the refreshing taste of citrus fruits and rose, together with its slight acid taste, it makes this white a wine worth trying from 759 store. Wines made with Pinot Gris are normally full-bodied, yet, those in Hong Kong are actually the other way round as most Hongkongers prefer this variety.
6. Kikusui Sake- Pomelo wine 300ml HKD$80.5
Country of origin: Japan
So now I am going to introduce some wines from Japan; this is a pomelo wine. It is proudly made by blending pomelo from Minami Shinshu and Japanese rice. With a strong aroma of the pomelo, the best way to taste it is to add 2 or 3 ice cubes and this wine is a perfect choice for Hong Kongers who love Japanese cuisine like sushi, sashimi, oden etc.
7. Temari- Umeshu with honey 180ml HKD$34
Country of origin: Japan
Apart from Japan’s most famous pomelo wine, Umeshu is another famous product of Japan. Made with Ume(Japanese plum) in the southern part of Japan, Temari added honey to the wine to make it a well-balanced wine for all. This Umeshu pairs well with sweet and sour dishes and various desserts.
8. Casa De Herencia- White 750ml HKD$34.9
Country of origin: Spain
Yes, I did not make any typo with the price. It is less than $40! This is a Spanish blend of 50% Macabeo, 30% Merseguera, and 20% Malvasia. It is very fruity and exceptionally smooth to taste. Despite being a low-priced wine, this is an ideal pairing with tapas and seafoods.
9. Two Tone Farm- Red blend 750ml HKD$59
Country of origin: United States
Here’s a US contender! The strong aromas from the black coloured fruits come from the varietal chosen for this red, Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon in California are similar to those in Bordeaux, but even stronger and more condensed. This is your best companion when you are craving red meat and cheese!
10. GINETTO- Fragolino Strawberry cocktail 750ml HKD$50
Country of origin: Germany
Germany is not all about beers, fruity wines are also a specialty. Like this Fragolino, which is a blend of various grapes and berries like strawberry. Its dominant aroma of strawberry is very unusual and goes well with desserts and pies.
Never believe the fallacy that only high-priced, aged wines are best. You should taste wine with a different perspective and focus on the individual flavours. Learn how to pair food with wine, and you will discover even 759 stores contain wines that are worth trying. Also, why not try a blind tasting? Grab a wine bottle under $100 each with your friends and see who got the best wine!
A friendly reminder: The stock in every 759 store may differ and the wine stocks change often. So remember to grab a few if you find your favourite!
