Category: Wine & Spirits

The article discusses the decline of formality in various aspects of life, including communication and wine drinking. It highlights the unique and refined qualities of Chablis wines, which are known for their bone-dry and mineral characteristics. The article also explains the different categories of Chablis wines, from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru, and recommends some notable producers. Overall, it emphasizes the timeless appeal of Chablis wines and encourages readers to appreciate the traditions and elegance they represent.

This article discusses the pairing of xiaolongbao, a Chinese delicacy, with red wine. It specifically recommends Beaujolais wines from Southern Burgundy as a good match. The article also provides a brief history of Beaujolais wines and explains how their reputation declined due to marketing strategies and a decrease in quality. The author suggests opting for higher quality villages and Cru level Beaujolais wines instead of Beaujolais Nouveau. The article concludes by recommending specific producers and advising to chill Beaujolais wines before serving.

The article discusses the history and quality of wines from the Alban hills near Rome. The Romans were the first to cultivate vines in this area due to the ideal terroir. The Fontana di Papa winery, established in 1959, produces wines from indigenous Italian grape varieties. These wines are now gaining recognition and are affordable for everyday drinking. They are also available in Shanghai and the rest of China.

What’s the most exciting and dynamic wine region of France? Reaching a consensus might be difficult but an excellent case could be made for the Languedoc AOC in the south of France. Formerly known for volume production of mostly undistinguished wines, this large region is now arguably the most progressive wine region in France.  The wines of Languedoc are also some of the most affordable French wines with many delicious wines available here in Shanghai in the 100-300 RMB price range as well as super premium wines costing from 800 to 2,000 RMB. Wine lovers are increasingly discovering that wines from Languedoc routinely outperform similarly-priced wines from the more famous regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Gaining insight into the universe, necessitates understanding not only the very big, but also the very small. The wine world is the same. While big may be impressive, small is often better. In last week’s column, I covered two Napa Valley pioneer wineries, Beringer and Robert Mondavi. These large wineries make great wines, but to taste the beautiful diversity of Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma County you also have to experience of wines of some of the smallest producers. In this week’s column I’ll feature four small wine makers who make irresistibly delicious wines that are available in Shanghai.

Purchasing wine premium wines for drinking needs some acumen. The first growth Bordeaux reds are certainly great wines and have proven to be good investments but are they smart purchases if you want to drink the wines now? Not even close. There are a number of second and third growth wines that offer similar quality at much lower prices. A few fourth and fifth grow wines and some high-performing Cru Bourgeois can also deliver superior quality at greatly lower prices. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s greatest and most expensive wines and smart alternatives.

Many people living in Shanghai bemoan the advent of cooler temperatures and shorter days. True gourmets however see a silver lining to the increasingly dismal weather of autumn, the seasonal appearance of hairy crabs.  Few foods illicit such glee among lovers of Chinese delicacies as does this rather nasty and ugly looking crab. Despite being quite troublesome to properly dissect and eat, hairy crabs are one of China’s most beloved gourmet delights.

History shows that it’s a special cuisine culture originated in the late 19th century and reaching its peak during 1920s-30s.The so-called ‘European food’ mainly refers to Italian, French, Russian and British, four most influential foreign food cultures of the old Shanghai era, the time when the city was colonized simultaneously by several western countries such as Britain and France, according to Zhou.

Historically, newly affluent investors around the world have sooner or later turned their attention and capital to procurement of wineries. Over the past century we’ve seen investors from South American, the United States, Japan and the Middle East invest in the wineries of Europe and the New World. The recent global economic ascension of China means this is the time for Chinese investors. Chinese acquisition of wineries is creating an exciting new dynamic in the wine industry and Bordeaux chateaux have been some of the prime targets. The exact number of Chinese investors in chateaux is anyone’s guess, but it’s believed to be about 20 chateau at present.

The advent of the summer season for food lovers is inseparably associated with the art and enjoyment of barbeque. A BBQ meal is much more than just eating, it a is multi-sensual social gathering where family and friends share good food, conversation and laughter.