The "Italian Exhibition" is being held until October 2nd at the event hall on the 6th and 7th floors of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku as part of Italian Week, which commemorates 150 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy and the 130th anniversary of the founding of Isetan.
The Italian Exhibition features a lineup of Italian wines carefully selected from across Italy, from north to south, based on four themes: "AGE = Best drinking period," "GRAPES = Variety and region," "FOCUS = Key keywords," and "STYLE = Production method."
"AGE" is a selection of wines that are suitable for young drinking and those that can be enjoyed with age, based on vintage. The red wine "Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2007" (limited to 5 items, 19,440 yen including tax) is a high-quality wine made from grapes grown in 2007 under ideal climatic conditions, including little rain and ample sunshine. The white sparkling wine "Metodo Classico Riserva Brut 2003" (limited to 60 items, 5,184 yen including tax) is made from grapes harvested from the winery's own vineyards in the northwestern Veneto region of Italy, and is aged for a long period of 53 months before being removed from the racks and aging for another 8 years. Enjoy the powerful aroma and flavor, and fine bubbles.
"GRAPES" is a selection of unique varieties, focusing on indigenous varieties unique to Italy, which stretches from north to south.
The white wine "Perique 2013" (120 bottles only, 3,456 yen including tax) is made from the ancient Italian grape variety "Fiano," which has been aged for a long time to bring out its flavor. Crafted using the sur lie method, the bottle aging process accentuates the aroma of acacia honey. The red wine "Barolo del Comune di Barolo 2012" (60 bottles only, 10,800 yen including tax) is a blend of eight cru Barolos (wines made exclusively from grapes grown in a single vineyard). This wine is characterized by its elegant flavor and aroma, with notes of rose, vanilla, spice, and roasted oak.
"STYLE" focuses on the commitment to production style, including traditional methods and cutting-edge initiatives. The white sparkling wine "Meravirioso" (1 unit only, 129,600 yen including tax) is making its Japan debut. Renowned winemaker Mattia Vezzola has been planning this wine since 1984, and its name, meaning "miraculously wonderful" in Japanese, is a true masterpiece. The white sparkling wine "Franciacorta M Brut" (60 units only, 5,400 yen including tax) is a wine made with Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, inspired by the producer's desire to "create the ultimate Franciacorta (sparkling wine)." Its persistent, delicate bubbles create a very elegant and lingering finish.
"FOCUS" is based on key keywords such as the international wine exhibition "Vinitaly" and "Northern Italy, Land of Gourmet Food."
"Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. 'Cassiano' 2011" (60 bottles only, 8,640 yen including tax) is a wine brand that received five stars from Vinitaly in 2016. It is made from grapes from the Sangiovese region, aged for 36 months after 25 days of skin contact. It has a fruity and voluminous taste, yet also has an elegant flavor. The white wine "Di Pinti Pinot Grigio" (60 bottles only, 1,728 yen including tax) is a wine from Cantina in the Trentino region, which was once said to have been the dining table of the Habsburg family, who ruled the Hungarian Empire. Its minerality, reminiscent of a crescent moon at dawn, will evoke distant memories.
All wines are limited in quantity, so be sure to order early.
