China’s, and now Asia’s, rising wine star shares her most memorable and meaningful pours
Our By The Glass series invites sommeliers and experts in the world of wine to share some inspiration for your next pour
One of China’s most highly regarded young wine experts, Della Tang made history as the first hospitality professional to receive Beronia Asia’s Best Sommelier Award at Asia's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony this year in which Ensue, the innovative restaurant by renowned chef Christopher Kostow that Tang works at in Shenzhen, ranked No.31 on the list.
Shenzhen-born Tang studied at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and worked in established restaurants Yam’Tcha and Le Taillevent in France before moving back to China to pursue her passion for wine. Now the head sommelier spearheading Ensure's wine list and service, Tang also manages the wine business and portfolios for the other four restaurants under the Savor group in Shenzhen. The wine at Ensue offers a wide variety, ranging from more established estates to grower Champagnes and Tang has also helped design pairings that complement the cuisine.
Ahead, Tang shares some of her favourite bottles and go-to wines as well as what takes up the most room in her cellar.
An early (in your career) wine that made you say ‘Wow! (I want to be a sommelier)’
I began my wine studies at Le Cordon Bleu with Mr Franck Ramage. One of the highlights of our program was assisting with the service of Ficofi's Le Palais des Grands Crus tasting, where I had the opportunity to try Egon Muller TBA 2011. This wine was a revelation—with every sip, I experienced a dazzling firework of flavours and aromas.
Most memorable pour
Rayas 1994. 1994 is my birth year and it is also a less desired vintage—some would say a bad vintage—in most of the wine regions. On my first pour of this 1994 Rayas vintage, the wine was bursting with youthful energy, complexity, and balance. Truly remarkable. Chapeau.
Tipple for a Tuesday
Vinas Mora Kaamen II, made from old-vine Babic grapes in Primosten Hill, Southern Croatia. It’s a well-made natural wine, clean and consistent. Quite juicy and elegant. I like to share this bottle with a group of friends.
Sun, sea and …
A bottle of Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
Wine of the moment
Wasenhaus Spatburgunder. Quite a nice discovery on German Pinot.
What you wish a customer would order (so you can taste it—for taint, of course)
Salon 2008. Salon of this grand vintage was only released in magnum format, and it’s only sold as in an assortment case.