Category: Wine & Spirits

This article discusses the negative impact of plastics on the environment and the efforts being made to develop more environmentally friendly alternatives. It also highlights the environmental impact of the wine industry and the steps being taken to make winemaking more sustainable. The article then introduces Ripasso, a unique style of wine from the Valpolicella region in Italy, and explains its production process. It recommends Ripasso as a more affordable alternative to Amarone and provides information on where to buy it in Shanghai.

This article discusses the concept of purity in winemaking and its relation to the use of clay vessels. It highlights Chablis as a region known for producing pure and inimitable wines. The article also provides a brief history of Chablis and its recovery from various challenges. It mentions different categories of Chablis wines and recommends producers such as Jean Collet, Daniel-Etienne Defaix, Joseph Drouhin, and Louis Jadot. The article concludes with information on where to buy Chablis wines in Shanghai.

The wine market in China in 2020 became more sophisticated and consumers are identifying with specific wine varieties. Organic, biodynamic natural wines saw strong growth, as did top Italian and Northern Rhone wines. Chinese wines are becoming more popular, especially during the pandemic. Qinhuangdao in Hebei Province has experienced a rebirth as a premier wine region, with Chateau Kings being one of the most important producers. Their Marselan wines have won numerous awards and are highly regarded. Other recommended producers in Qinhuangdao include Kweichow Moutai Changli Winery, COFCO Greatwall Chateau Huaxia, and Bodega Langes.

The author attended the 2020 Spirits Selection in Henan Province and visited the world’s oldest winemaking site in Jiahu Village. They learned about the history of wine and its connection to early Neolithic people. The author also discusses the origins of distillation and the rise of baijiu, a Chinese liquor. They highlight the different styles of baijiu and focus on the award-winning Guizhou Junpin Xijiu. The author encourages readers to explore more top brands of baijiu and visit distilleries for a new spirits experience.

This article discusses the pairing of crispy meat and fish skin snacks with red wine, specifically Pinot Noir from the Cote de Nuits region in Burgundy, France. The author highlights the importance of acidity and tannins in determining a wine’s compatibility with skin snacks. They recommend slightly weightier and more elegant red Burgundy options for this pairing. The article also provides information about the Cote de Nuits AOC, its historical significance, and the production of Burgundy’s greatest red wines. The author suggests trying Cote de Nuits Villages AOC wines, which are more affordable and accessible than Premier and Grand Cru wines. They recommend specific producers and provide information on where to buy these wines in Shanghai. The article concludes with tips on serving and enjoying Cote de Nuits Villages wines.

This article discusses the production of jujube fruit and wine in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. The jujube fruit is versatile and used in various Chinese dishes and desserts. It is also known for its health benefits. Ningxia is known for producing high-quality wines, particularly in the Helan Mountain East Foothills region. The region’s success story is still being written, but it is considered China’s premier quality wine region. The article highlights the challenges faced by winemakers in Ningxia, such as the need to bury vines during the winter and the relatively high cost of wines. However, the region has great potential and is attracting attention from both local and international investors. The article also mentions the upcoming Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition, which will be held in Ningxia in May 2021. The author, a wine judge, looks forward to sharing the distinguished wines and local cuisine of Ningxia with fellow judges. The article concludes by recommending some wines to try in Shanghai.

The potato, originating in South America, was domesticated by humans 10,000 years ago and brought to Europe in the 16th century. Europeans embraced the potato for its ease of cultivation, storage, and nutritional value, allowing them to assert dominance over the world. China, although the largest producer of potatoes, has not fully embraced them in their cuisine. Potatoes pair well with a variety of wines, particularly Spanish white wines like Rueda Verdejo, which has a rich history and distinctive character. Rueda Verdejo wines are known for their citrus and grassy flavors and freshness on the palate. They pair well with both Chinese and Western potato dishes.

This article discusses the pairing of Beijing duck with Champagne, specifically Blanc de Noirs Champagnes made from Pinot Noir grapes. The author explains the history and evolution of Beijing duck, highlighting its universal appeal. They suggest that the red fruit flavors and fine bubbles of Blanc de Noirs Champagnes complement the sweet bean sauce of the duck, while the acidity offsets the greasiness of the skin. The author also mentions the influence of dosage and fermentation in oak on the style of Champagne. They recommend several Blanc de Noirs Champagnes, including those from Marie Courtin, Devaux, Bollinger, Pierre Paillard, Jacques Selosse, and Pommery. The article concludes with information on where to buy these Champagnes in Shanghai.

Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its wine and long life expectancy. The island has a rich history influenced by both Italian and Spanish cultures. The Cannonau grape, believed to be native to Sardinia, is the most important red wine variety on the island. The Cannonau di Sardegna region produces predominantly red wines, but also rosato, sweet, and fortified wines. Well-made Cannonau wines are medium to full-bodied with red and dark fruit flavors. They are rich in antioxidants and associated with the longevity of the Sardinian people. Recommended producers include Santadi and Argiolas. Other notable Sardinian wines include Vermentino, Nuragus, Semidano, Torbato, Carignano, Bovale Sardo, Cagnulari, and Monica varieties. These wines can be purchased in Shanghai.

This article discusses the history and significance of soup in both Chinese and Western cuisines. It also explores the various idioms and meanings associated with the word “soup” in the English language. The article then shifts focus to Sicilian wines, particularly the Nero d’Avola grape, which is the most important red wine grape in Sicily. It provides information on the origins and characteristics of Nero d’Avola wines, as well as recommendations for pairing them with hearty comfort soups. The article also mentions other white wine varieties from Sicily that can complement lighter soups. Finally, it provides a list of Nero d’Avola wine producers in Shanghai and where to buy their wines.