Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important events in the Asian lunar calendar. Each year, this celebration marks the beginning of a new astrological cycle and gives rise to colorful festivities: fireworks, traditional meals, dragon parades, and family gatherings. Symbolizing renewal and prosperity, this festival is based on ancestral rituals intended to attract good luck and drive away evil spirits. Whether you follow the traditions or simply take the opportunity to discover a fascinating culture, Chinese New Year is a unique occasion to celebrate.
What is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning that it follows both the Sun’s cycle to count the years and the Moon’s phases to count the months. Chinese New Year varies from year to year but always falls between January 21 and February 19, on the occasion of the second moon after the winter solstice, when the sun is in the sign of Aquarius. It is the first day of a new moon.
Chinese New Year is officially celebrated in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and in certain Asian countries where Chinese cultural influence is strong, such as Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The New Year meal often takes place at the home of the family’s elders. Dinner does not begin until the whole family is present and gathered together. Tradition dictates that empty places be left for family members who cannot attend. For the occasion, the dishes served are plentiful and symbolic. They are believed to ensure good health or success in education.
Chinese New Year celebrations are eagerly anticipated every year and are very important to the Chinese community, as they last no less than 15 days in total!
The best food and wine pairings for a successful Chinese New Year meal.
Chinese cuisine can be spicy, hot, or sweet, particularly with its sweet-and-sour flavors. These dishes are also rich in aromas: ginger, garlic, onion, and soy. This aromatic richness could quickly discourage us from opening a good bottle, which we might enjoy less alongside all these highly seasoned dishes. However, there are types of wine that pair perfectly with Chinese cuisine.
Dry, mineral white wines
If you are new to wine or do not have a wide selection available in your cellar, be aware that most Asian dishes pair well with a dry white wine.
If you love fried foods such as spring rolls, shrimp fritters, fried chicken, or fried dumplings, this is the type of wine to choose to enhance your meal. For spring rolls, a Chablis, Sancerre, or Burgundy Chardonnay would be ideal. They will bring acidity and freshness to spring rolls, which can sometimes be a little greasy.
For shrimp or seafood spring rolls and fritters, a drier white wine is preferable. Burgundy wines such as Saint-Véran, Mâcon, Santenay, or Pouilly-Fuissé are excellent choices. Steamed dumplings also pair well with dry, mineral wines.
Finally, if you enjoy sweet-and-sour pork, a fairly full-bodied, dry white wine with lovely power and good balance will be perfect. A Viognier could certainly enhance this dish.
Semi-sweet white wines
Contrary to what one might think, these wines can absolutely be the main wine served with a meal. For the occasion, the caramelized meats found in many Asian dishes will pair wonderfully with a semi-sweet white wine, such as caramelized pork or chicken. They will complement the sweetness of the dishes while adding liveliness to the meat: a perfect balance! We recommend opening a Gewürztraminer from Alsace or a Côtes de Gascogne for the occasion.
Red wine
Although white wine is preferable when eating Asian food, pairings are also possible if you prefer red wine. Chinese soups, often served with meat, are ideal with red wine. A red wine from southwestern France, such as Bergerac or Gaillac, will accompany these soups with lovely aromatic power.
If you are a fan of Peking duck, it also pairs very well with red wine. Choose a structured, slightly tannic red wine. Wines from the Rhône Valley, such as Crozes-Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, or Saint-Joseph, will enhance this classic dish!
Champagne
If you are in a very festive mood and feel like opening a good bottle of Champagne, you will need to bend the rules of traditional Chinese cuisine slightly. Indeed, Champagne pairs perfectly with another Asian dish: sushi! For fans of Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and sashimi of all kinds, the bubbles will be the perfect pairing! The acidity and finesse of Champagne are a perfect match for raw fish.
