First and thus far the only, there is only one Sommelier Endorsed award in Malaysia, which is the Hank’s Five Star. This award can be said to be the only and official wine guide in Malaysia that rates a diverse selection of over 60 different wines, endorsing selected wines that are approved by the Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY) with an official rating of the “Hank’s Five Star”.
An exclusive collaboration between Hank’s Malaysia and the esteemed Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY), this article looks into the selected Italian Wines that was awarded the distinct Hank’s Five Star endorsement.
What is Hank's Five Star?
The Hank’s Five Stars is a one of a kind endorsement award that was created by Malaysia’s Largest Wine Retailer, Hank’s Fine Foods. In collaboration with SOMLAY, the award are categorized into Old World Red, New World Red, Old World White and New World White. This makes up the 60 different wines which are subsequently further categorized by their prices between RM101 to RM300 and RM100 and below.
Through a meticulous judging process, consumers can be assured that the wines are judged based on a trustworthy and unbiased evaluation. This is also an incredible milestone for the wine industry in Malaysia, as a credible wine guide is crafted through the process.
How is the Hank’s Five Star Awarded?
The wines goes through a rigorous judging process that determines the inclusion of the wines in to the Hank’s Five Stars. More than 140 different labels go through an impartial blind-tasting procedure.
To ensure its objectivity, the judges were unaware of the wine’s identities as the wines were categorized by the grape variety and price. The wines were then rated through a precise evaluation of 100-points, with only those achieving 85-points of above earning the Hank’s Five Stars.
SOMLAY’s Role in Hank’s Five Star
The Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY) is an independent, non-profitable organization with members from the trade and hospitality industries, founded by personalities within the scene, SOMLAY is the only official sommelier association in Malaysia.
Because of SOMLAY’s expertise within the field, they act as an independent non-bias panel of judges throughout the meticulous process of selecting, tasting and ultimately awarding the Hank’s Five Star endorsement
Hank’s Five Star With Love From Italy Selections
Among the 60 Hank’s Five Stars awarded Wines, these are the selected wines that are exclusively imported by With Love From Italy:
Genesi Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG
100% Ruchè Grapes
Nero D'Avola Riserva Sicilia DOC
100% Nero D’Avola Grapes
Ribolla Gialla Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
100% Ribolla Gialla Grapes
With Love From Italy prides ourselves for importing exceptional, high quality and unique Italian Wines. With over 300 different varieties of Italian Wines from all regions around Italy, from North to South, we are sure to be able transport you on a sensory experience and captivating adventure of Italian Wines like no other.
A great array of our specially curated With Love From Italy selection of Italian Wines are available at selected restaurants and premium retailers, including Hank’s Malaysia nationwide. Stay updated for more selections by subscribing to our Newsletter here!
