In 2015, Kawai based luxurious wine bar La Terre earlier than leaving to concentrate on his wine consulting enterprise. Named Greatest Sommelier of the 12 months 3 times within the Singapore World Connoisseur Collection Award – in 2013, 2017 and 2019 – Daisuke has been inducted into the identical occasion’s Corridor of Fame for Greatest Sommelier. @daisuke_kawai0109
My first memorable wine expertise
It was round 30 years in the past and I used to be a younger youngster. After an argument with my mom, I stole and opened a bottle of wine from our fridge at residence – and proceeded to complete greater than half the bottle, alone. (I attempted to complete all of it, however couldn’t handle it, fortunately!) I don’t bear in mind what the wine was, however I do not forget that it was a white wine, made in Japan, and I do not forget that to me it tasted dry and bitter. That was my very first wine expertise.
My go-to on a regular basis wine
Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills in Australia. Fruity, juicy and pure, with intense, contemporary, grassy and citrus aromas. Nonetheless not bored after ingesting it for greater than 25 years!
My favorite grocery store purchase
Kendall Jackson, Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay from California. Excellent stability of contemporary and tropical fruits, with a kiss of vanilla from mild oaking.
Most embarrassing second at work
I discover it deeply embarrassing once I can’t catch a visitor’s eye earlier than they actively search help. That is tied up in my philosophy of service and hospitality. Our main operate is to supply service to our company – even earlier than our operate as a wine skilled. We must always anticipate and supply for our company’ wants earlier than they must search for somebody to ask.
Pet hate
Laziness. All sommeliers and different ready workers ought to take note of each element of all the pieces, for each second throughout service, giving 100%.
My dying row meals and wine pairing
After all Champagne! Laurent-Perrier’s elegant Grand Siècle Itération 20 – this iteration is outdated and really arduous to search out, as the present launch is Itération 26. Paired with sushi, as it’s my nation’s conventional dish.
Greatest meals and wine match at my restaurant
A easy Sherry, Bodegas Barbadillo Pastora Manzanilla Pasada en Rama, with aged jamón Ibérico bellota. The wine has the right stability of freshness and yeasty depth, and brings out the jamón’s umami character. Heavenly.
My fallback fast after-work meal (and wine match)
Asian-style noodles with Tiger beer, since I’m in Singapore!
Wine on my record I’m most happy with
Château Figeac 1977. I had two bottles in inventory, one in every of which a daily visitor ordered and shared with me. I’ll all the time recall the extreme aromas of rose petals, black fruits and aged tea leaves. Charming acidity, a velvety texture and a protracted end. I introduced some again from the château once I visited.
The wine on my record that surprises company
Les Arums de Lagrange, a white wine made by Bordeaux’s Château Lagrange. Sauvignon Blanc-dominant, blended with Semillon and Sauvignon Gris, it’s superbly balanced and has floral, citrus and vanilla aromas with a contemporary texture. Friends are sometimes stunned that dry white Bordeaux could be so good.
Wines I might keep away from ordering from a restaurant record
Older vintages of white wines made for ingesting younger. Sadly, not all wine lists are rigorously managed, and generally white wines which might be previous their finest are nonetheless in inventory and on the record.
Wine type I’m most enthusiastic about
Franciacorta from Italy. These traditional-method DOCG glowing wines come in numerous types, however you don’t see them loads as they aren’t broadly exported. This is applicable particularly to the Riserva bottlings, that are a must-try for his or her biscuity, buttery, nutty, wonderful autolytic character.
Wine area that provides the best worth for cash
Nonetheless in Italy, Alba in Piedmont. Barolos and Barbarescos made by lesser-known producers can supply nice worth and delight. However easy Barberas will also be scrumptious – medium-bodied wines with good acidity that may be loved with buddies and paired with so many dishes.
My favorite wine area to go to
It’s not a single area, however I’ll say England. I visited Ridgeview in East Sussex in 2023, Black Chalk in Hampshire in 2024 and Gusbourne in Kent in 2025, and am now searching for one other winery to go to in 2026! Whereas I’m within the UK, I all the time attempt to get to La Trompette in west London.
