In a world where culinary borders are blurring, wine is no longer confined to its place of origin—it’s finding resonance in faraway kitchens, on tables that tell different stories. From the fragrant streets of Bangkok to the sushi bars of Tokyo and the refined dining rooms of Singapore, Asian cuisine continues to evolve with a remarkable openness to global pairings. And when it comes to wines that can meet Asia’s layered, spice-driven, and textural dishes with both poise and versatility, Tenuta Manoylo offers a particularly compelling expression.

Based in the Marche region of central Italy, Tenuta Manoylo is a young, family-run winery rooted in both sustainability and innovation. Its vineyards, planted across the clay-rich soils near Moresco, look toward the Adriatic Sea, a landscape that has long balanced agricultural tradition with a sense of quiet experimentation. Guided by enologist Luigi Costantini, former President of Assoenologi Marche, the winery’s philosophy aligns deeply with respect for the land, biodiversity, and the art of responsible production. 

A Taste of Marche: Crafting Wines with Depth and Balance

Tenuta Manoylo’s indigenous varieties like Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Passerina, and Pecorino thrive alongside international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, offering a palette of flavours as diverse as Asia itself. The winery embraces both cutting-edge tools, like Ganimede and rotary vinificators, and ancient techniques such as fermentation under water and amphora aging in volcanic clay vessels. This fusion of science and intuition results in wines that are expressive yet balanced, elegant yet approachable.

Asian Pairing Philosophy: Harmony, Not Dominance

Pairing wine with Asian food requires an understanding of nuance. The goal is not to overpower, but to find harmony. A dialogue between acidity, sweetness, spice, and umami. Tenuta Manoylo’s wines, with their fresh minerality, controlled alcohol, and savoury undertones, naturally complement this philosophy.

Falerio DOC Pecorino (Vintages 2021 & 2022)

With its lemon-gold hue, floral linden aromas, and notes of pear, citrus, and honey melon, the Pecorino stands out as a wine of texture and brightness. On the palate, it’s soft yet vibrant, with hints of orange peel and white peach, a combination that sings alongside dim sum, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or Thai pomelo salad. Its minerality and light wood ageing allow it to pair gracefully with delicate seafood, from steamed grouper with ginger to Japanese sashimi. The wine’s balanced acidity cuts through oily textures, refreshing the palate after each bite, making it an ideal choice for Asia’s seafood-rich cuisines.

Marche IGT Passerina 2021

Passerina, a grape native to central Italy, finds its voice in Manoylo’s expression. Fresh, floral, and slightly saline, the wine’s citrusy backbone and subtle herbal notes mirror flavours found in Korean banchan or Malaysian lemongrass dishes. Its light body and crispness make it a refreshing contrast to the heat of Sichuan stir-fry or the creaminess of Singaporean laksa. The gentle salinity also makes it an elegant partner for oyster omelette or salt-grilled prawns, enhancing the umami character in each dish.

Marche IGT Sangiovese 2021

For red wine lovers, Tenuta Manoylo’s Sangiovese offers depth without heaviness. With its ruby-red colour, complex bouquet of ripe red fruit, undergrowth, spice, and refined tannins, it poses itself as a natural companion to Peking duck, char siu pork, or grilled lamb skewers. The savoury finish and balsamic undertones complement dishes rich in hoisin, soy, or sesame, creating a lingering umami resonance. A wine matured in cement and wood, it carries both freshness and warmth, a combination that works beautifully with Asian-style barbecues and even Indian tandoori dishes.

Rosso Piceno DOC 2022

A blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese, this red embodies the earthy charm of Marche’s terroir. It’s fruit-forward yet structured, offering plum, spice, and subtle wood, qualities that align wonderfully with Korean bulgogi, teriyaki chicken, or stir-fried beef with black pepper sauce. Its soft tannins and balanced alcohol make it an excellent introduction for Asian palates exploring Italian reds for the first time.

Beyond the dining table, Tenuta Manoylo’s wines fit naturally into Asia’s evolving lifestyle culture—where wellness, sustainability, and craft are celebrated. These are wines for the modern Asian consumer: curious, conscious, and global in taste. Enjoyed in small gatherings, paired with home-cooked meals, or featured in fine dining menus, Manoylo’s wines reflect the values shaping the next generation of drinkers.

Header image sourced from Tenuta Manoylo (Instagram).