Chinese cuisine is typically rich in taste and flavours. Spices and exotic fragrances are commonly found in many recipes, from fried rice or noodles, to sweet and sour meat and vegetable dishes.
There is a lot of room for experimentation here. A general rule would be to choose crisp, fresh whites with fried noodles or rice (such as Glera, Vermentino, Sauvignon) and light-bodied reds or richer, aromatic whites with sweet & sour dishes.
Picking the right wine to complement your Chinese meal can be tricky, so follow our recommendations below for a guaranteed success.
Sweet and Sour Pork
For Sweet and Sour Pork, a wine that is light in body is ideal, ensuring it doesn't overpower the dish's delicate balance. A wine with elevated acidity complements the dish's tangy aspect, while a hint of sweetness in the wine mirrors the sauce's sugar content, creating a harmonious match.
A lower alcohol content is also preferable, as higher alcohol levels might clash with the sweetness of the dish. Considering Italian wine grapes, a slightly sweet Moscato d'Asti#/html# or a #html#frizzante Lambrusco, which offer a combination of lightness, acidity, and sweetness, could be excellent choices to pair with Sweet and Sour Pork, enhancing its unique flavor profile without overwhelming it.
Pradalupo Roero Arneis DOC
This 2021 white from Piedmont boasts 100% Arneis grapes. Exudes exotic fruits, ripe pears, and honey aromas. Velvety, warm palate is balanced by a fresh acidity.
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Gaja Idda Etna Bianco
Indulge in a collaborative masterpiece from Gaja and Graci. Bursting with floral and almond notes, this Sicilian white is versatile, from sushi to grilled fish
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Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige Rose
Salmon-pink Franciacorta with floral and fruity depth. Perfect as an aperitif or with fish-based dishes.
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Falanghina IGT Campania
Vivid lemon hue. Aromatic blend of tropical fruits: pineapple, apple, pears. Silky and full-bodied, echoes the nose's flavors.
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Castello Bonomi Franciacorta Extra Brut Cuvee Lucrezia Etichetta Nera
A luxurious sparkling wine with ripe berry and citrus notes. Aged 120 months, pairs well with lobster and mature cheese. Cellar for 20 years.
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Eruzione Etna Pinot Nero
A luxurious 2020 red, layered with baked fruits and vanilla. Balsamic and leather notes lead to a mineral, saline finish.
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Chiara Boschis - E Pira Barolo Cannubi Organic, Magnum
Deep, bold magnum red displaying aromas of strawberries, leather, white chocolate, and powerful tannins.
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Beef Chow Mein
Beef Chow Mein is a popular Chinese noodle dish consisting of stir-fried noodles with beef, vegetables (like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts), and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and various seasonings. The dish is known for its hearty and satisfying nature, combining the tender chewiness of the noodles with the umami-rich flavors of the beef and sauce.
For a dish like Beef Chow Mein, with its savory and umami-rich flavors from the beef and stir-fried vegetables, a wine that's medium to full-bodied would be more appropriate. Tannins should be present but not overwhelming to avoid clashing with the savory flavors of the dish. A good level of acidity is still important to cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
The alcohol content should be moderate to high to complement the dish's robustness. A Chianti Classico, which offers a balance of body, tannins, and acidity, could be a fitting choice. It has the structure to stand up to the beef while maintaining enough acidity to interact well with the overall savoriness of the dish.
Perano Chianti Classico
Frescobaldi's Perano impresses with its ruby brilliance and sour cherry aroma. With hints of red berries, violet, and spice, it finishes on a velvety note. £26.5.
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Terre Brune
A Sardinian gem made from old bush vines, Terre Brune boasts intense black fruit and spice, with velvety tannins and layered oak complexity.
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Barolo Campe
Intensely ruby-red Barolo with ripe fruits and integrated wood aromas, balanced palate, supple tannins.
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Villadoria Barolo Riserva DOCG
Garnet hues with a bouquet of roses, cherries, and a hint of truffle. Robust, complex, and age-worthy.
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Sudisfa Roero Nebbiolo
Rich, complex, ripe raisin, blackberry, cassis. Mature, perfect with rich meats.
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