Cover Noriko Yonezawa
Noriko Yonezawa
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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
Above Noriko Yonezawa and Chef Motokazu Yonezawa
Noriko Yonezawa and Chef Motokazu Yonezawa
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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.
Above No. 1 Numero Uno, 2000
No. 1 Numero Uno, 2000
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Tipple for a Tuesday
Pinot Grigio, Cantina Tramin Kellerei, 2020, as it is suitable for eating seafood, and is also light and easy to drink on a week day.
Sun, sea and...
Brachetto d'Acqui, a sparkling red wine. It is not too sweet but fruity and perfect for a summer vacation.
Wine of the moment
Satèn Brut La Montina Franciacorta, a sparkling Italian white wine that is very popular with my customers. Most people are familiar with Prosecco but not so much Franciacorta, which has a second fermentation step that occurs in the bottle.
What you wish a customer would order (so you can taste it—for taint, of course).
Amazon Della Valpolicella Classico, Speri, 2016. It is heavy, strong and slightly bitter. Many may not be used to the strong, bitter taste, but the more you drink. the more you taste the full body and flavour.
What's the one bottle you’re saving for a really big moment?
Brunello di Montalcino, Riserva Soldera, 1999. This is the best wine I’ve ever had—it is special and almost too nice to drink!
Above Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino
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Best selling ‘by-the-glass’ list
Rosso di Montepulciano, Toscana, 2019.
What would you like to recommend to guests?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosso Riserva, Vignalta, 2014.
A special something
Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque, 2013. It is of very good quality, both balanced and elegant.
Bottle to bring to a dinner party
Champagne, of course. It's such a fun drink to have!
A bottle you haven’t tried but really want to
Romanée-Conti. It is expensive, but on a special day I would like to have it.
What’s in your cellar?
Champagne, white wine, red wine, sparkling wine, and sake.
Last glass you’ve had
Valpolicella, Classico Superiore, 2018.
It’s your last meal, what bottle are you having with it?
Barolo, my favourite red wine.
If not wine, then what?
A pint of Japanese Ebisu beer.
Credits
Images: MOKA Italian Japanese
About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
