Unlocking the World of Flavors with Italian Wines: An Exclusive Interview with Anwar, Sommelier Extraordinaire at Cinnamon Group
In the heart of Malaysia’s vibrant culinary scene, where the fusion of flavors and cultures creates a symphony for the senses, there’s a name that stands out: Cinnamon Group. Known for its culinary excellence and innovation, Cinnamon Group has been a trailblazer in redefining the dining experience in Malaysia, especially when it comes to the world of Italian wines.
At the helm of Cinnamon Group’s remarkable journey is Anwar, a sommelier with an unparalleled passion for Italian wines and an extraordinary ability to pair them with the diverse and delectable dishes that grace the group’s tables. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Anwar to delve into his world, where each sip of Italian wine and every pairing is an art form, and where he guides diners on a gastronomic adventure like no other.
Join us as we uncork the story of Anwar, the sommelier who adds an exquisite touch of Italian wine magic to the culinary tapestry of Cinnamon Group.
My name is Anwar Kabir. I am 30 years old, and I started my journey in the F&B industry 9 years ago.
My very first job stint was with a group of Italian restaurants, and it’s from there that I received most of my food, beverage, and service knowledge. From the very beginning of my journey, I developed an interest in wines, and decided that it was what I wanted to further explore and study. I as lucky that I had the opportunity to work very closely with a master sommelier and couple of other Italian chefs and highly skilled managers who inspired me to become who I am today.
Today, I am a Wine Sommelier at Cinnamon Group, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Cinnamon Group owns and operates a variety of specialty restaurants and bars throughout Malaysia, and I am very grateful to be a part of this group as it offers a larger canvas to learn and grow with.
What do you like most about Italian wine?
“The best thing about Italian wine is the flavor profile, complexity and no matter what label you pick up to try, it never disappoints!”
Throughout my last few years of work, I have been associated mostly with Italian restaurants and I would say that through this, indirectly, I have been very lucky to have been introduced to Italy – a historical country with such rich history and one that produces the largest volume of wine in the world, including few of the best, and well appreciated wines in the world. One of the most important factors about Italian wine that I personally like is- the vast number of grape varieties, most of which are unique and indigenous.
How is the Italian wine positioned in your sector? Who are the ideal customers?
From my experience Italian wines are positioned as a premium and one of the best rated, top selling wine in our sector. Most of our customers are both, local or expats with immense knowledge on wines, hence they are able to truly appreciate the collection that we showcase and offer.
Which are the wines of WLFI selection that impressed you the most? What’s your favorite one and why?
If I have to be honest, most wines from WLFI (With Love From Italy) are impressive, as they are very carefully selected, affordable and now have many new varietals in the range.
But if I really had to choose just one, I would say my favorite wines in the WLFI selection is ‘CANTINE SAN’TAGATA GENESI’ The grape is ‘RUCHE’ from Piedmont region, a rare and indigenous grape varietal that I have tried very first time. It’s one of the single grape varietals that does have deep ruby red color, powerful body, very complex with pronounced spices and pepper. Even though it’s a powerful and full-bodied wine, it is very elegant and quite balanced with acidic and tannin label, which made me fall in love with this wine.
``Italian wines are positioned as a premium and one of the best rated, top selling wine in our sector
Can you suggest a combination between a traditional Italian dish and a wine from WLFI selection?
If you want to try something simple, go ahead with a tomato base pasta dish with ‘CHIANTI RISERVA SENESI ARETINI’ or with ‘BIFERNO ROSSO TOR DEL COLLE’ (Montepulciano) from the WLFI selection. However one of the best pairings I have tried, is ‘CANTINE SAN’T AGATA GENESI’ (Ruchè) with slow cooked beef chuck shoulder.
Can you suggest a combination between a traditional ‘ASIAN’ dish and a wine from WLFI selection?
A traditional Japanese dish ‘TEKKA MAKI’ (tuna sushi roll), pairs very well with a wine in the list ‘VISTORTA MERLOT’ from Friuli Venezia Giulia, it’s a medium bodied wine with very soft and silky tannin and its very fruity on the palate, which makes the food and the wine a good pairing.
Another Asian dish, a Vietnamese crispy pan cake named ‘BANH XEO, slight sweet taste with lot of fragrant flavors, is best to try with ‘ANNA GHIONE MOSCATO D’ASTI’. The flavors of wine with almond and orange flowers and a very light honey taste compliments the food very well.
Another great combination to try, would be some DIM SUM and ‘GUERRA ALBANO SAUVIGNON BLANC’. A beautifully balanced wine with fruity and vegetable notes, is soft on the palate and make the wine an incredible pairing with traditional Chinese dish.
And last but not least, under the Cinnamon Group we have an authentic and traditional Sri Lankan restaurant ‘ALIYAA’. I would highly recommend the pairing combination of the Aliyaa ‘MUD CRAB’ OR ‘LAMB VARUVAL’ with any ‘PRIMITIVO’ from ‘COPPI’ family vineyard.
‘Primitivo’ (Zinfandel in USA) is a full-bodied grape varietal from Puglia region, is a deep, ruby red color, and while the wine is quite powerful it is very well balanced and fruity on the palate, hence compliments a lot of Asian spice notes.
