Blind Tasting Hosted by The Asia Business Daily
Hidden Gem Wines from Seven Leading Importers in Korea
Italian Wine from Verona, the Setting of ‘Romeo and Juliet’
“The cigar aroma unfolds subtly, leaving a pleasant lingering finish.” (Myung Yongjin, Head of Liquor at Emart)
On the 27th, a judge attending the blind tasting at the ‘2026 Global Wine & Food Trip’ held at the Marriott Executive Apartments Park Cafe in Yeouido, Seoul, is tasting wine. 2026.8.27 Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang
Wine experts, who best understand the preferences of the public, selected a wine produced in Verona, Italy—the backdrop for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”—as a “hidden gem red wine in the 50,000 won range.” This wine, a blend of Garganega, Trebbiano, and other indigenous varieties from Verona, received praise for its harmonious combination of ripe red berry and herbal notes, complemented by the complexity of oak and solid tannic structure, making it an easy-drinking option for all.
According to the results of the blind tasting held by The Asia Business Daily at the Marriott Executive Apartments in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on August 27, 2026, “Villa Annone Rosso Verona 2023,” imported by Vino H, ranked first in the red wine category with an average score of 86 points.
This blind tasting event, marking its fifth year as part of the Global Wine & Food Trip, aims to discover hidden gem wines currently available in the market. Nine wine buyers from major domestic retailers (the three leading department stores, three hypermarkets, and three convenience store chains) participated as judges. Fourteen wines from seven importers—Shinsegae L&B, Keumyang International, Ayong FBC, Nara Cellar, Kooksoondang, Vino H, and HiteJinro—were submitted. The wines entered were all in the 50,000 won price range at large-scale supermarkets, and the grape varieties and production regions were selected freely by the importers.
Villa Annone Rosso Verona 2023, which received the highest score among red wines, is produced in the Verona region of Veneto, Italy. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, some volcanic soils, and valley alluvium, the wine is characterized by abundant fruit flavors and a well-balanced structure. The subtle earthy notes reminiscent of a forest are enhanced by vanilla, creating a rich bouquet. Sweet flavors and velvety smooth tannins are elegantly balanced, offering a soft, rounded body.
The panel of judges evaluated it as a wine that pairs exceptionally well with food. Inhye Jang, Wine MD at BGF Retail, said, “The notes of red fruits like raspberry and herbal aromas are impressive,” adding, “Its long finish brings many positives when paired with food.” Minjoo Kim, sommelier at Shinsegae Department Store, commented, “The pleasant sensation of tannins on the palate stimulates the appetite.” Experts suggested that the wine would pair well with Korean dishes such as braised short ribs (galbijjim), bulgogi, and stir-fried pork (jeyuk bokkeum).
The wine that received the second highest number of selections from experts, “Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2023,” submitted by Nara Cellar, scored an average of 85.6 points. Produced in California’s North Coast region, United States, the wide temperature fluctuations create balanced complexity, while the refreshing maritime climate imparts elegance and finesse. The wine features lush aromas of ripe dark fruits and roasted nuts, with understated vanilla and oak notes providing a lingering finish.
On August 27, at the ‘2026 Global Wine & Food Trip’ held at the Marriott Executive Apartments Park Cafe in Yeouido, Seoul, a judge attending the blind tasting is sampling wine. 2026.8.27 Photo by Kang Jinhyung
Solbin Kang, Manager at GS Retail, mentioned, “You can detect berry aromas such as blueberry. Overall, its sweetness, body, and balance make it highly appealing and marketable.” Hyejin Park, Team Leader at Bottle Bunker, predicted, “The pleasant residual sugar detected on the nose will likely attract beginners.” Minseok Kyung, sommelier at Lotte Department Store, evaluated it as “possessing a velvety texture and excellent structure.” Most judges agreed that the wine pairs well with marinated meats such as pork ribs or braised short ribs.
In this blind tasting, wines from Italy’s Veneto region ranked highly. “Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2023” from Keumyang International received favorable reviews with an average score of 85.3 points. This wine, a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Sangiovese from the Valpolicella area of Veneto, is made by partially drying some grapes before mixing them with fresh grapes. The result is a harmonious array of ripe cherry, plum, vanilla, and spice aromas, along with soft tannins and notable acidity.
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Taejeong Roh, Chief Sommelier at Hyundai Department Store, commented, “The fragrance of red and well-ripened fruits stands out,” adding, “It features strong tannins and a fine, velvet-like grain.” Sihwan Kim, MD at Emart24, noted, “There’s a dominant earthy mushroom aroma and medium acidity with red fruit flavors.” Seungbae Song, Liquor MD at 7-Eleven, said, “You can sense good balance and black fruit aromas.” Many assessed it as a wine that delivers even more synergy when paired with food, recommending pairings with tomato-based dishes, poultry such as chicken or duck, lamb, or balsamic sauce-based dishes.
This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.
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