December Tips and Tricks

Wines for Christmas

This year Beijing seems to be celebrating Christmas like never before (no doubt the tinsel will stay up until the more serious business of Chinese New Year).

This month we’re going to suggest, therefore, a few tips and tricks concerning wines for the festive season: including wines for parties and what to match with that demanding turkey dinner!

Party wines should be instantly appealing. If you have the budget, Champagne is always a good start. In Beijing, look out for: Pol Roger (Summergate), Louis Roederer (Links China), Taittinger (Torres China), Bollinger (ASC) and Egly-Ouriet (Globus). Duval-Leroy (East Meets West) is also a good option. But if you want something a little more affordable, try the Italian sparkling Prosecco: Bisol (East Meets West) is probably the best Prosecco producer available in Beijing.

For party whites and reds, wines from New World countries rarely disappoint as they are so dependable. They are also more adaptable to the wide range of foods that can appear on party tables. Australian Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay can all work well, as well as New Zealand Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

Like Australia, Chile offers especially good value in the Chinese market. Chilean Syrah is very impressive at the moment, but don’t forget Chile’s classic grape Carmenere. If higher alcohol wines are a problem, try Mosel Riesling from Germany (around 7% abv.) or you can enjoy Torres’ new de-alcoholized wine, Torres Natureo (Torres China), a white Muscat anyone can gan bei!

What is a traditional Christmas dinner? Different countries follow their own interpretations, but the American turkey seems to have travelled the world. Personally, we prefer duck or goose! Also, a turkey dinner with various other meat stuffings and a huge of array of vegetables and sauces can be tough on wine.

However, this meal is suitable for riper types of Pinot Noir (from California, Australia, Chile or New Zealand) or spicier versions of Syrah or Shiraz (France’s Northern Rhone, Australia’s Hunter Valley).

Riper red wines from Italy can also be delicious made from grapes such as Sangiovese, Nero d’Avola and Negroamaro. Full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can also work well or even Alsace Gewurztraminer in dry or off-dry styles.