Category: Wine & Spirits

Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to cultivate, but when done right, it produces some of the world’s greatest wines. While Burgundy is known as the spiritual home of Pinot Noir, New Zealand is emerging as a top producer. Central Otago, located on the southern part of South Island, has an extreme climate that produces […]

This article discusses the benefits of having a glass of wine before dinner, both for health and social reasons. It also introduces two white wines from Burgundy, Macon and Aligote, that are ideal for aperitifs. The Macon region in southern Burgundy produces quality Chardonnay wines, while Aligote is a humbler grape that makes refreshing and […]

Sancerre is a region in France known for its white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes. These wines have grassy and leafy qualities, making them a good match for many Chinese dishes. Sancerre wines are elegant and perfumed, with delicate fruit, flower, and mineral aromas. The region’s wines were historically red, but after a phylloxera […]

The author attended the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition in Switzerland and discovered the excellent wines produced in the country. Switzerland is known for its cheeses, chocolates, and beautiful landscapes, but its wines are not well-known outside of the country. The major wine regions in Switzerland are Valais, Vaud, Juras-Trois Lacs, Ticino, Heidiland, and […]

This article explores the history and significance of Shaoxing wine, a popular rice wine in China. It dates back to the Neolithic period and has been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Shaoxing wine is known for its fragrant and complex flavors and can be aged for 20 years or longer. It is often compared […]

This article explores the history and significance of cinnamon as a popular spice, as well as the trade routes and myths surrounding it. It also discusses the origins of the Syrah grape and its connection to the spice. The focus then shifts to Sicilian wines, particularly those made with Syrah grapes. The Tasca d’Almerita winery […]

White wines are often overlooked in China, where red wines are more popular, especially among new drinkers. However, as people’s palates develop and food pairing becomes important, white wines become more popular. White wines, like bamboo shoots, have health benefits and pair well with many dishes. One ideal white wine to pair with bamboo dishes […]

The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time to honor ancestors and celebrate the arrival of spring. One traditional snack enjoyed during this festival is qingtuan sticky rice buns, which have a history of over 2,000 years. These green buns are typically filled with sweet red bean or lotus root, but modern […]

Italy and France are the top wine producing nations, with Italy having an edge in terms of quality and diversity. Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, has a long history of winemaking and is known for its high-quality wines. The Argiolas family played a significant role in improving the reputation of Sardinian wines. Other […]

This article discusses the author’s love for picnics and how they often bring their own food on flights to enjoy a picnic in the sky. They also mention that certain wines are more flight-friendly than others, with fruit-forward wines being the best choice. The article then focuses on Clare Valley in Australia, known for its […]