Hailing from Yokohama, Japan, Noriko Yonezawa is an Italy-certified sommelier
Our By The Glass series sees sommeliers and wine experts share some vinous inspiration for your next pour.
In the heart of Bukit Bintang is Moka, an Italian Japanese restaurant run by Japanese couple Motokazu and Noriko Yonezawa. They met at a wine sommelier course in Montecatini Terme, Italy. Noriko’s experience as an Italy-certified sommelier allows her to expertly recommend wines to pair with Chef Motokazu’s creative dishes that marry premium Japanese ingredients with European techniques.
Here, Yonezewa shares the wines that have impressed her over the years and her favourite bottles for a special occasion.
See also: The Weekly Dish: 5 New Dishes and Drinks From Ramen to Pandan Coffee
An early (in your career) wine that made you go "Wow! I want to be a sommelier".
Capezzana Conte Contini Bonacossi 2012 and Cervaro della Sala, Castello della Sala, Umbria.
Most memorable pour
Numero Uno, Valtellina, 2000.