Category: Wine & Spirits

John Herman Isacs is a wine and spirits specialist with extensive experience in the industry. He has traveled to over 80 countries, visiting renowned wine regions and establishments. He is fluent in Chinese and English and is one of Asia’s most experienced wine and spirits judges. He has published numerous bilingual food and wine books and magazines, including the award-winning “100 Great Wines in China.” He also serves as a columnist for various media outlets and works as a professional training consultant for esteemed organizations in the wine industry.

Autumn is a time of mixed emotions, with the end of summer but the arrival of cool breezes and colorful foliage. The word “autumn” has mysterious origins, but it has been used in English since the 15th century. It is a great time to explore new wines, such as the Cotes du Rhone AOC from the south of France. This wine has a long history and is one of France’s most popular red wines. It is made from a blend of up to 23 different grape varieties, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan. The region has a continental climate in the north and a Mediterranean climate in the south, resulting in different styles of wine. Cotes du Rhone wines are best enjoyed relatively young, within five to seven years. There are many producers in the region, so it can be a challenge to find the right wine. Some recommended producers include Guigal, Jaboulet, and Chapoutier. Cotes du Rhone red wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, pastas, pizzas, cheeses, and Asian cuisine. In Shanghai, these wines can be purchased from various online retailers.

“Summer Wine” is a classic song released in 1967, known for its haunting melody and suggestive content. It perfectly describes this week’s summer wine pick, Sangiovese, which is an ancient grape believed to be a mutation between native Italian varieties. The most famous manifestation of Sangiovese is Chianti, which remains the heart and soul of Tuscan winemaking. Chianti wines are food-friendly and have flavors of strawberries, cherries, and floral aromas. The quality of Chianti wines has improved dramatically over the years, and they are now labeled as DOCG. Chianti wines are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, including those with tomatoes, seafood, and grilled meats. Recommended Chianti producers include Castello di Ama and Barone Ricasoli. Chianti wines should be served chilled, while Riserva and Gran Selezione wines require breathing time. Enjoy Chianti wine with a summer BBQ spread while listening to vintage Nancy Sinatra tunes.

This article discusses the history and production methods of sparkling wines, particularly Prosecco. The Charmat method, which is a more cost-effective way to make sparkling wines, is compared to the traditional method. Prosecco is highlighted as the most popular sparkling wine, with impressive growth in production and value. The introduction of Prosecco Rose has contributed to this success, with stricter regulations and a focus on premiumization. The article recommends several Prosecco Rose wines available in Shanghai and suggests food pairings. It also advises consuming Prosecco Rose wines relatively young and serving them chilled. The article concludes by encouraging readers to celebrate summer with the refreshing pink bubbles of Prosecco DOC.

This article discusses the popularity of junk food snacks and their ideal wine pairings. It focuses on the history of potato chips and their compatibility with wines from the Limoux region in Southern France. Limoux is known for its sparkling wines, which have a long history dating back to the 16th century. The article highlights the different styles of sparkling wines produced in Limoux and recommends several producers to try. It also provides information on where to buy Limoux wines in Shanghai.

This article discusses the importance of physical and mental health during lockdown and suggests that eating light and drinking low-calorie wines can help sustain our bodies and minds. It highlights recent scientific studies that indicate white and sparkling wines may have similar health benefits to red wines. The article focuses on Vermentino, a white wine variety, and its origins in Sardinia. It mentions that Sardinia is part of the Blue Zone, where people live to 100 years or older, and emphasizes the health benefits of Vermentino. The article recommends specific Vermentino wines from Sardinia and other regions of Italy and provides information on where to buy them in Shanghai.

The article discusses the growing interest in vegan wines and the challenges of finding officially labeled vegan wines. It also highlights the concept of purity in wines and how Oregon is known for producing high-quality, pure wines. The article provides information about the wine regions in Oregon, the popular grape varieties, and the overall quality of wines produced in the state. It mentions that Oregon wines are not well-represented in the China market but recommends two Oregon producers, Elouan and Erath, whose wines are available in Shanghai. The article concludes with a recommendation to choose wines from good to excellent vintages and provides information on where to buy Oregon wines.

This week, the writer suggests infusing the beauty of May flowers into a glass of wine. They explain that many wines offer delightful floral aromas, thanks to compounds like monoterpenes. They recommend Gewurztraminer as a flowery springtime pick, describing its origins and characteristics. The writer highlights Alsace as the best region for Gewurztraminer wines, with dry and sweet options available. They also provide a list of recommended wine producers in Alsace. The writer suggests pairing Gewurztraminer with exotic cuisines and invites readers to enjoy a glass of Alsatian Gewurztraminer to enhance their May flower experience. They provide links to websites where the wines can be purchased.

This article discusses the concept of escapism through virtual reality and wine, particularly during times of lockdown. It explores the importance of typicity in wines, specifically focusing on Pinot Noir and its variations. The article highlights Central Otago in New Zealand as a region known for producing excellent Pinot Noir, along with other white wines. It recommends several top producers in Central Otago and suggests enjoying a Central Otago Pinot Noir to transport oneself to a place of natural beauty. The article also provides information on where to buy these wines.

This article discusses the characteristics of wines with aromas of freshly cut grass, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. It highlights Marlborough, the largest wine region in New Zealand, known for its Sauvignon Blanc production. The favorable climate and unique soil make Marlborough a paradise for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs are vibrant and offer tropical fruit, gooseberry, lime, passion fruit, and fresh grass sensations. They pair well with fresh spring salads, roasted and BBQ white meats, and moderate to medium spicy Chinese and Southeast Asian dishes. The article recommends several Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc wines to try.