The Earth Wine | Natural Wine Journal
Hey there, fellow wine enthusiasts in Hong Kong! As we gear up for the Chinese New Year festivities, there's one crucial element we can't overlook – the perfect wine to elevate your celebratory dinner. We've got some fantastic recommendations for you to unlock the perfect harmony at your Chinese New Year feast.
A Culinary Tapestry of Tradition
Chinese New Year is a time when our taste buds are treated to an array of traditional dishes. This year, let's start our gastronomic journey with a burst of flavors – the vibrant Prosperity Toss Salad, also known as Lou Hei.
Prosperity Toss Salad (撈起 - Lou Hei) x Pet-nat
This playful salad deserves a companion that's equally lively – enter pet-nat, the trendy natural sparkling wine. Its effervescence mirrors the excitement of tossing the ingredients together, creating a festive explosion on your palate.
Picture yourself surrounded by the joyous chatter of family and friends, each bite of the salad paired with the crisp, fruity notes of a pet-nat. The bubbles dance on your tongue, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Spruce up your prosperity toss salad spread with a bottle of Casera Frontin Bianco, Maurizio Donadi pet-nat. This fizzy gem adds a perfect touch of magic to your starter. They whip up this beauty using a mix of Pinot Grigio, Johanniter, Bronner, and Solaris grapes, grown in soil that's all pumped up with clay and rocks. The process? Spontaneous fermentation, a 3-week skin soaking, and a little chill time in terracotta amphorae. And guess what? Every sip is like a burst of flowery and fruity goodness, ending in a party of mineral-rich vibes. Cheers to that!
Fish (魚 - Yu) x Crisp white wine
Now, let's delve into the symbol of abundance and good luck – Fish (魚 - Yu). A dish that pairs impeccably with a crisp white wine. Imagine a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio – their zesty acidity cutting through the delicate flavors of the fish, leaving a fresh and invigorating sensation on your palate.
Dig into that tasty fish, and let this white wine be your palate cleanser before the next delicious bite. We're loving the Anfora 2021 by Christiano Guttarolo. Made from Verdeca grapes, they let it hang out with its own skins for a cool two days, then age it to perfection in porcelain amphorae. Take a sip, and you'll catch a wave of complex flavors – hints of honey, yellow fruit, dates, and a mineral finish that's the real kicker. Team it up with some spicy, exotic dishes, and you're in for a flavor adventure you won't forget! Cheers to good eats and great sips!
Soy Sauce Chicken (豉油雞 - Si Yau Gai) x Orange Wine
Moving on to the savory delight of Soy Sauce Chicken, a dish steeped in rich, savory flavors. For this umami-packed delight, opt for an orange wine. The complex and robust notes of an orange wine provide a harmonious contrast, enhancing the depth of flavors in the chicken.
Picture this flavor symphony – the bold Soy Sauce Chicken mingling with the intriguing layers of an orange wine. Now, let's keep it real and pair it up with a bang-for-your-buck orange wine - Terragno 2022, Valli Unite. This gem, a mix of Cortese and Favorita, brings a dance of herbaceous and fruity vibes, hitting that sweet spot on your taste buds. They let it all happen with spontaneous fermentation and a 17-day skin hangout in an acacia vat, followed by a classy 12-month chill in the same container.
Get ready for a nose full of intense ripe fruit, plus a hint of sweet and spicy goodness. And when it hits your palate, feel those robust tannins sticking around, giving you a taste that's bold, persistent, and totally distinctive. It's like a flavor fiesta you won't want to miss!
Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕 - Luo Bo Gao) x Chilled Light Red Wine
Finally, let's round off our culinary journey with the beloved Turnip Cake. The crispy exterior and the soft, savory interior make for a delightful pairing with a chilled light red wine. Picture a Pinot Noir or a Gamay, both bringing a playful dance of acidity and red fruit flavors, perfectly enhancing the richness of the dish.
Enjoy those flavorful layers in the Turnip Cake, and let the light red wine add a classy touch, making the whole experience just right. Our pick? The Tempesta 2021, Terre Di Pietra – a chilled light red that's as cool as its name. Picture this: the birth of this wine is like an unexpected weather twist that turns into a masterpiece. It's delicate yet strong, like a blooming flower, giving you a taste of fresh fruit and a smooth sipping experience.
This blend, made up of 40% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Molinara, goes through the works – 8 months in steel and another 12 months in the bottle. No fancy stuff, just pure and simple. Tempesta is your go-to for a fresh and juicy red wine, straight from the youngest vineyards in Marcellise. It's all about that natural elegance without any fuss. Cheers to easy sipping and tasty bites!
Wine Shopping Tips in Hong Kong: The Earth Wine
Navigating the Sea of Choices
Hong Kong is a treasure trove of wine options, from local shops to international wine cellars. One gem that stands out, especially for natural wine enthusiasts, is The Earth Wine. Their delivery service in Hong Kong is a lifesaver, especially during the busiest time of the year.
The Earth Wine not only provides a curated selection of natural wines but ensures that all their offerings are additives-free and vegan-friendly. Imagine the convenience – having these carefully selected, high-quality wines delivered to your doorstep the next day. It's like having a personal wine concierge during your most hectic times. So, when you're in need of that perfect Chinese New Year wine, consider The Earth Wine your go-to source for quality and convenience.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Sipping in Style
Now, onto the art of serving. The right temperature and glassware can make all the difference. For your reds and orange wines, a good rule of thumb is slightly cooler than room temperature. As for pet-nat, sparkling wine and white wine, keep it chilled to enhance the taste. And when it comes to glassware,opt for the exquisite Gabriel Glass, a medium-sized, elegant, and surprisingly affordable option that's perfect for all wines.
A Toast to Prosperity and Joy
As we conclude our journey through the world of Chinese New Year wine pairings, I raise a glass to you, dear reader. May your Chinese New Year be filled with prosperity, joy, and the perfect harmonies of delightful wines. Remember, the best pairings are the ones that bring people together, so experiment, savor the moments, and celebrate the traditions that make this season truly special. If you have any questions or need personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out. Until then, happy celebrating and cheers to a fantastic Chinese New Year!
