When it comes to ringing in the New Year, the Chinese have one up on Western culture. Their Spring Festival celebrations last a couple of weeks, and beyond the parades, fireworks, and red envelopes filled with dough, feasting is at the centre of the revelry. At least that’s what it seems like to me.
On New Year’s, the Chinese dine for good fortune. Yummy specialties like dumplings, spring rolls and noodles symbolize prosperity and a long life. According to some studies, drinking wine in moderation can also contribute to the latter. More than that, though, Chinese cooking presents a fascinating palette of flavours that invites unique wine pairings.
If you’re joining in the merriment, consider including a celebratory bottle. Our liquor laws allow us to bring wine into restaurants, so take advantage. Just call ahead as a courtesy and to ask how much the corkage fee is.
Gong Hay Fat Choy! And cheers to a successful and blissful Year of the Rooster.
Dr. Loosen Sparkling Riesling • Germany • $16.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Every celebration deserves bubble. And after having enjoyed countless bottles of it with dim sum, I can confidently confirm that it works brilliantly with Chinese cuisine. Fragrant and fruity, with a little bit of sweetness and lots of refreshing acid, this Riesling will recharge your palate throughout the entire meal.
2015 Quinta do Ameal Loureiro Vinho Verde DOC • Portugal • $15.49 (BC Liquor Stores)
Fish is sure to feature heavily in New Year’s meals, as it’s associated with surplus. An elegant complement for subtle seafood dishes, this zippy Quinta do Ameal offers clean, bright flavours of kaffir lime leaf and red apple. Its lower alcohol (11.5 per cent) also makes it appropriate with spicy fare, while plenty of brilliant acidity cuts through all those delicious deep-fried snacks. Go on, have another spring roll!
2015 Casale del Giglio Petit Manseng IGT • Lazio, Italy • $26.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
The French grape Petit Manseng is grown on Italian soil, and is a fittingly multicultural match with pork dumplings in any of Vancouver’s outstanding Chinese restaurants. Bursting with aromas of apricot, pink grapefruit and lemon rind, it’s backed up by rich, fleshy fruit and an incredibly lively backbone. (Remember, the more dumplings you eat, the more money you’ll make and the more wine you’ll be able to afford!) Also a treat with lobster or crab in ginger.
2014 Monteraponi Chianti Classico DOCG • Italy • $42.52 (Exclusively at Marquis Wine Cellars)
Adorned with its gallo nero (black rooster) logo, Chianti Classico is a natural fit for the Year of the Rooster. This top-notch example is pure and juicy, with red cherry and violets along with earthy tea notes. For a long and happy life, pair with longevity noodles tossed with mushrooms and chicken. Just don’t break or cut the noodles when serving!
2005 Château Beau-Site Cru Bourgeois Supérieur Saint-Estèphe AOC • France • $49.99 (BC Liquor Stores)
Red is an auspicious colour, so a wine with a ruby hue – especially one from the region of Bordeaux – is sure to be appreciated. Château Beau-Site is the ultimate host gift. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a healthy dose of Merlot rounding it out, it hails from an excellent vintage. Twelve years of aging has given it time to mellow, soften, and develop savoury, earthy nuances that will shine with any exotic duck preparation.
Prices exclusive of taxes.
