Category: Wine & Spirits

Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to cultivate, but when done right, it produces some of the world’s greatest wines. While Burgundy is known as the spiritual home of Pinot Noir, New Zealand is emerging as a top producer. Central Otago, located on the southern part of South Island, has an extreme climate that produces exuberant and concentrated Pinot Noir wines. Other notable producers in Central Otago include Felton Road, Mt Difficulty, and Rippon. Vintages from 2015, 2014, 2011, and 2010 are recommended. In Shanghai, these wines can be found at Anteroom and Pudao Wines.

This article discusses the benefits of having a glass of wine before dinner, both for health and social reasons. It also introduces two white wines from Burgundy, Macon and Aligote, that are ideal for aperitifs. The Macon region in southern Burgundy produces quality Chardonnay wines, while Aligote is a humbler grape that makes refreshing and acidic wines. The article recommends selecting wines from recent vintages and serving them chilled.

Sancerre is a region in France known for its white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. These wines have grassy and leafy qualities, making them a good match for many Chinese dishes. Sancerre wines are elegant and perfumed, with delicate fruit, flower, and mineral aromas. The region’s wines were historically red, but after a phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, growers replanted with Sauvignon Blanc. Today, Sauvignon Blanc accounts for 80% of Sancerre wines. The region’s wines are known for their floral and elegant characteristics, bone-dry nature, and little to no oak influence. The expansion of the Sancerre AOC in 1998 resulted in inconsistent quality, but top producers like Pascal Jolivet, Domaine Delaporte, Mellot, and Henri Bourgeois continue to produce exceptional wines. Other notable producers include Laporte, Domaine du Nozay, Anthony Girard, and Vacheron. The recent vintages from 2015-2017 have been excellent, but older vintages from 2009 and 2010 are also recommended.

The author attended the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition in Switzerland and discovered the excellent wines produced in the country. Switzerland is known for its cheeses, chocolates, and beautiful landscapes, but its wines are not well-known outside of the country. The major wine regions in Switzerland are Valais, Vaud, Juras-Trois Lacs, Ticino, Heidiland, and Schaffhauserland. The most planted grape varieties in Switzerland are Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Gamay, and Merlot. Chasselas is considered the soul of Swiss wines and is known for its subtle and elegant flavors with freshness and mineral qualities. Swiss wines pair well with Swiss cheeses, fresh water fish, and Swiss sausages. The author also suggests pairing Chasselas wines with Chinese dishes such as Shanghai-style salty chicken and Cantonese BBQ pork. The challenge is finding Swiss wines outside of Switzerland, but online wine stores may offer them. The author recommends serving Chasselas wines well-chilled in a generous glass to fully appreciate their delicate bouquet.

This article explores the history and significance of Shaoxing wine, a popular rice wine in China. It dates back to the Neolithic period and has been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Shaoxing wine is known for its fragrant and complex flavors and can be aged for 20 years or longer. It is often compared to Sherry wine in the West, as they share similar characteristics and are used in cooking. The article also provides information on where to buy Shaoxing wine in Shanghai.

This article explores the history and significance of cinnamon as a popular spice, as well as the trade routes and myths surrounding it. It also discusses the origins of the Syrah grape and its connection to the spice. The focus then shifts to Sicilian wines, particularly those made with Syrah grapes. The Tasca d’Almerita winery in Sicily is highlighted, along with their exceptional Syrah wines. Other top producers of Sicilian Syrah are also mentioned. The article concludes with a list of places to buy these wines.

White wines are often overlooked in China, where red wines are more popular, especially among new drinkers. However, as people’s palates develop and food pairing becomes important, white wines become more popular. White wines, like bamboo shoots, have health benefits and pair well with many dishes. One ideal white wine to pair with bamboo dishes is Albarino from the Rias Baixas region in Spain. Albarino is a grape variety that thrives in the damp and windy climate of Rias Baixas. It is intensely aromatic and pairs well with seafood and bamboo dishes. Some top producers of Albarino include Pazo de Senoras, Vionta, and Martin Codex. Albarino wines should be well-chilled and consumed within three years of release. Albarino is also cultivated in Vinho Verde, Portugal, and in California and the Pacific Northwest in the United States.

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time to honor ancestors and celebrate the arrival of spring. One traditional snack enjoyed during this festival is qingtuan sticky rice buns, which have a history of over 2,000 years. These green buns are typically filled with sweet red bean or lotus root, but modern versions can have savory fillings as well. To pair with qingtuan and other Chinese dishes, a recommended wine is Gruner Veltliner from Austria. Austria has a long history of winemaking and offers a range of varietals and wine styles. Gruner Veltliner is the most important grape variety in Austria and is known for its versatility. Dry Gruner Veltliner wines pair well with savory qingtuan, while sweet qingtuan can be enjoyed with Gruner Veltliner Eiswein. The fresh citrus and stone fruit flavors, minerality, and spicy nature of Gruner Veltliner complement Chinese cuisine. Austrian wines, including Gruner Veltliner, are becoming more popular in China, and there are several top producers to look for. Austrian wines offer excellent value and can be found in many of Shanghai’s best restaurants.

Italy and France are the top wine producing nations, with Italy having an edge in terms of quality and diversity. Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, has a long history of winemaking and is known for its high-quality wines. The Argiolas family played a significant role in improving the reputation of Sardinian wines. Other top-quality producers in Sardinia include Sella & Mosca, Albert Loi, Gallura, and Santadi. Sardinia is also part of the Blue Zone, where people live to 100 years or longer, and wine consumption is believed to contribute to longevity.

This article discusses the author’s love for picnics and how they often bring their own food on flights to enjoy a picnic in the sky. They also mention that certain wines are more flight-friendly than others, with fruit-forward wines being the best choice. The article then focuses on Clare Valley in Australia, known for its Riesling wines, which are considered flight-friendly due to their fruitiness and acidity. The region’s climate and winemaking practices contribute to the production of world-class Rieslings. The article also mentions some top producers in Clare Valley, including Grosset, Pikes, Knappstein, and Jim Barry.