Pendock’s Pick:

The age-old question of what to drink with Eight-Treasure Duck has been solved — pirate wine from Bilton.

For starters, it’s red as any serious wine matched with Chinese food needs be and there’s sufficient mystery to pique interest: a lascivious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Mourvèdre and Pinotage. To be drunk on a junk in the South China Sea with Johnny Depp and Keith Richards.

Reader’s Recommendation:

Bill Nasson from Cape Town chose Vondeling Petit Blanc 2008, R40

This is an exceptionally snazzy white blend of mainly Chenin Blanc, with dollops of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier. Deliciously creamy, it has a teasing acidity with a hint of vanilla and pear. Not merely an appetite-wetter, it hits a high note when consumed with robust food like casseroles and smoked fish. It is a smartly-engineered and robust white at a smart price.

Bill will receive a mixed case of Nederburg wines for his recommendation. Readers are invited to send their recommendations to wine@sundaytimes.co.za