[Photo provided to China Daily]

James Suckling has tasted more than 200,000 wines from all over the world since 1981. And, of the 3,500 Italian wines he rated this year, Suckling chose the top 100 to bring to Beijing. 

Suckling is one of the most influential wine critics from the United States. His reviews are read and respected by wine lovers, serious collectors and traders worldwide.

The 59-year-old rates wines using the 100-point scale, and he hosts events around the globe serving wines that he scores more than 90.

The 2017 Great Wines of Italy Asia tour kicked off in Beijing on Dec 5. It's the first time this event has been held in the Chinese capital.

"The whole idea is let China know premium Italian wines, because everyone is so interested in wine here," says Suckling.

More than 80 Italian wineries brought their wares to 1,000 guests in Beijing at the ballroom of Rosewood Beijing Hotel.

"Italian wines are the signature of Italy. When you drink a glass of Italian wine, you are drinking Italy, and you are thinking about arts, history, fashion, football and Ferrari," says Suckling, who has lived in Italy for 20 years.

Simone Maggioni, owner of La Pace Winery, brought two of his wines - White label and Black label - to the event on his first visit to China.