When is the Chinese New Year?
The actual date is different every year because it follows the lunar calendar; this is based on the movement of the moon. However, it typically falls on a day between mid-January and mid-February. It's estimated that one-sixth of the world's population celebrate Chinese New Year! It is an incredible time filled with festivities, food and a real sense of community. From the traditional dragon dancing to the lighting of fireworks, the Chinese New Year is great to be part of. "Gung hay fat choy" is a Cantonese phrase that will serve you well, wishing prosperity for the year ahead!What wines go well with Chinese cuisine?
The key to pairing food and wine, in general, is to remember wine should never overpower the food (and vice versa). Traditionally in China, Chinese food isn't paired with wine. However, the Western world has very much taken to this. We know it can be difficult knowing which wines complement which dishes best, and therefore we have produced this blog to help you effortlessly match your Chinese dishes to wine.
Pairing Chinese food with wines
| Dish | Wine |
|
Vegetable-based dishes
|
Barbera Blanc, Chardonnay or Sauvignon |
|
Seafood
|
Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera Blanc, Pinot Noir or ChardonnayRemember to consider how delicate the seafood dish is compared to your choice of wine. For instance, for clams served in a black bean sauce, we would recommend Pinot Noir; however, for Kung Pao Prawns, we would suggest a Chardonnay: a dry and fruit-based Chardonnay which will not overpower the food. Crab pairs exceptionally well with Alsace Pinot Gris. |
| Chicken | Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling |
|
Pork
|
Barbera Blanc, Muscat Cannelli or Pinot Noir |
| Beef | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewurztraminer or Barbera BlancGewurztraminer is a good choice for choosing a spicy flavoured dish. |
|
Duck
|
GewurztraminerThis is a delicious combination of flavours (especially with Peking duck)! |
|
Sweets and savouries |
Sauvignon Blanc or Fumé Blanc |
Important points to remember
- Consider whether the flavours of your wine will clash with the salt and spice ratios in the dishes.
- Consider changing wines during the meal as most (but not all) Chinese meals are served in order of their complexity of flavours.
- Dry to sweet Rieslings can match most types of Chinese food—the refreshing fruity taste pairs well with the dishes.
- Fruit dishes such as bananas, mangoes or peaches generally pair well with Riesling, Pinot Noir or Merlot.
- No one wine will accommodate the vast range of Chinese cuisine flavours, so trial and error are our best advice. See what works for you and your taste buds.
- Wine with Chinese food is delicious (we certainly think so).
