Caroline heads the Asia team from our Hong Kong office. Let’s get to know her and ask our pressing wine questions.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you came to work in wine?
As far as I can remember, I have always been a foodie, which (at least in France, where I am from and where I grew up) usually goes hand in hand with wine appreciation. Additionally, I have always been sensitive to the cultural and traditional aspect usually linked to a recipe, a beverage, an ingredient – the idea of terroir. That combined with my interest in languages led me to discover the world of spirits in Cognac as my first work experience, which then led me to the world of wines in Bordeaux and later Hong Kong.
What is your role at iDealwine?
I am part of iDealwine’s international team as the Asia Sales Manager, based in Hong Kong. Together with Léo and Jojo, we make sure that customers across Asian countries have everything they need to have a good experience buying wine on iDealwine. As part of my role, I am regularly in touch with iDealwine customers in Asia, checking in on them and helping with their questions. The role also includes liaising with different departments withing iDealwine such as Sourcing, Supply Chain, as well as our marketing department to produce relevant marketing campaigns and organise events from time to time.
What attracted you to Hong Kong? Any favourite wine hangouts in the city?
I arrived in Hong Kong 10 years ago, for one of my first professional role, representing a Bordeaux wine merchant in Asia. I had spent some time in Mainland China, Taiwan and Australia previously and did not know what to expect at all of Hong Kong and had absolutely no pre-conceived ideas. From the very first steps in the city, I felt the buzzing and pulsating of the city and loved it ever since! Hong Kong, despite being an urban jungle, is also the kingdom of nature trails and even have some beautiful beaches. You can spend all day in nature, and sip on delicious wines, cocktails by night. Hong Kong is such a great wine city with some of the best wines available here. Some wine hangouts? If you’re looking for a glass of wine with a view, I’d recommend Eyebar. Hong Kong is also filled with wine bars! My favourites are Thinkwine and LQV but there are also great wines served in restaurants.
What is your most recent wine discovery?
I have recently participated in a tasting of wines from Anjou in Loire Valley, I discovered a few estates such as Belargus, Terra Vita Vinum, Domaine Ogereau that are small estates run by passionate winemakers producing amazing wines reflecting the terroir.
What is your favourite wine region?
Why chose? 😀
What is your favourite wine and food pairing?
Last Christmas, I had the opportunity to do the very traditional French Foie Gras and Sauternes pairing; it never stops being good! My idea of food heaven is seafood and white wine – buttery scallops served with Meursault. Also, a great wine from Loire such as Sancerre or Pouilly Fume with the local goat cheese from the region such as Saint Maure de Touraine is just *chef’s kiss*.
What is the style of wine you prefer the most?
Recently, probably also because Hong Kong is HOT nearly year-round, I really enjoy opting for whites, crisp from Loire or fleshier whites from Burgundy.
What bottle do you dream of tasting?
It would have to be a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti!
What are some of the estates you’ve visited?
I had the chance to represent Bordeaux wineries for 10 years and to visit some great estates of the region such as Château Haut Brion, Château Calon Ségur, Château Olivier. More recently, I also loved visiting Champagne Larmandier-Bernier for the way that the owner and winemaker was able to share his knowledge in a very approachable manner.
So there you have it! You now know a bit more about iDealwine’s team on the other side of the world (to us in the main office in Paris).
