Claudia Capelvenere was brought up in Hong Kong and is now the general manager of Castello del Vino Italian Wine Shop and Delicatessen. She says her parents treated her to a small glass of wine on special occasions when she was young so she could learn to appreciate the taste.
Prosecco di Conegliano Cuvee Brut by Carpene Malvolti from Veneto, Italy ($118)
This is the most famous sparkling wine from Venice, Italy and Mr Carpene and Mr Malvolti were the first to produce this lovely sparkler in 1868. It is made from the prosecco grapes grown on the hillsides of Conegliano. This sparkling wine is my favourite because it is softer and less acidic than most Champagnes and has all the romance of Venice! It can be drunk alone, throughout a meal or with desserts.
Trentino Pinot Grigio I Mastri Vernacoli 2002 by Ca'Vit from Trentino, Northern Italy ($115)
The pinot grigio grapes used in this wine are grown along the River Adige in the Northern region of Trentino. The cooler mountain climate produces a lovely fresh crisp wine with hints of peach and typically floral notes. It is dry and medium bodied, elegant and easy drinking, which makes it one of my favourite whites that can be consumed either at lunch, barbecues, at dinner on its own or with a delicious basket of roasted chicken!
Morellino di Scansano Riserva, Val delle Rose 1997 by Luigi Cecchi from Tuscany, Italy ($149)