For gastrolounge fans, Mojo offers a new place to explore
wines in the future.
In 2011, the winery’s 2009 Jia Bei Lan Grand Reserve won the Red Bordeaux Varietal Over £10 International Trophy at the Decanter World Wine Awards — the first time a Chinese wine topped the category.
“Chinese wines are improving fast. And there are more new wineries and more styles of wines,” she says.
As for Chen’s role, she says: “I enjoy telling people about good value when it comes to premier wines. I try to point them a similar direction — maybe with a pretty label, or a similar style from another winemaker in a similar region,” she says.
Chen says she also finds out what guests like to eat and drink before she pairs wine with the food.
“During the process, you’re always trying to find things that match the flavors.
“For example, to find things that contrast with the flavors, or have similarity in texture or body,” she says.
Chen says that the Chinese are now more knowledgeable about famous wines and have personal preferences. They also realize that there are different styles of wines, including sweet ones.
“They now follow their tastes more than brands. It’s a good thing that happens in every evolving wine market. At first, people buy famous wines. But as they become confident about what they like to drink, they will have more of a personal sense for flavors or styles,” she says.
6 pm to 2am