Shanghai's sexiest sommeliers share their most orgasmic wines(4)
Jean Dai
Hometown: Shanghai
Restaurant: T8, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, Xintiandi near Huangpi Nan Lu 太仓路181弄新天地北里8号楼近黄陂南路, +86 21 6355 8999
How did you first get interested in wine?
My first job was as a server at That’s Amore on Taikang Lu about five years ago. I didn’t know anything about how to recommend or pair the complex Italian wines on the list but I had a manager who totally opened my eyes to wine regions and Italian wine culture. I began self-study through the Internet and every month I went to around four different wine tastings to develop my palate.
What’s a sexy date wine?
I actually would not choose Champagne. A better choice would be a good sweet wine, like a Tokaji from Hungary. It’s different than other sweet wines like Muscat or Italian Pinot Grigio. The sweetness and acidity can match food and dessert and it has a very good apricot flavor that makes you feel emotional.
What would you choose for your own romantic evening?
Personally if I had a date at T8 I’d pick Two Hands, Bella’s Garden Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in Australia. It’s spicy and you can find blackberries, a little bit of licorice and some lavender, it’s very complex with medium tannins. I would choose something to share with my boyfriend who likes very sweet floral wines, more similar to the typical Chinese palate. Many Chinese don’t really like Sauvignon Blanc because they think it can taste like cat pee.
How much should you spend on wine for a date?
If I’m on a date I would choose something around RMB 500, but at the same time if you choose one that’s only RMB 200 and it’s very good you can show off your good palate.
Some people think that if a wine’s price is very high it means it should be very good, but that’s not true. Some people just like to show off. I had one Chinese client who ordered a Chateaux Lafite 2002 mixed with Sprite. I tried to make a comparison for him by having him taste a glass without Sprite, but he said he still preferred the one with Sprite.
