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 features vibrant festivities: fireworks, traditional meals, dragon parades, and family gatherings. Symbolizing renewal and prosperity, this festival is based on ancient rituals aimed at attracting good luck and warding off evil spirits. Whether following traditions or simply taking the opportunity to discover a fascinating culture, Chinese New Year is a unique moment to celebrate.
What is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it is based both on the solar cycle for counting years and on the lunar phases for counting months. Chinese New Year varies from year to year but always falls between January 21 and February 19, on the occasion of the second new 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 some Asian countries where Chinese cultural influence is strong, such as Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The New Year’s meal often takes place at the home of the family elders. Dinner only begins once the entire family is present and gathered. Tradition holds that empty seats are left for family members who cannot be there. For the occasion, the dishes served are hearty and symbolic. They ensure health and success in studies, among other things.
Chinese New Year celebrations are eagerly awaited each year and are very important for the Chinese community since they last a full 15 days!
The best food and wine pairings to make your Chinese New Year meal a success.
Chinese cuisine is sometimes spicy, seasoned, or sweet, especially with its sweet and sour flavors. The dishes are also rich in aromas: ginger, garlic, onion, soy. This aromatic richness might quickly discourage us from opening a good bottle of wine that we might enjoy less with all these flavorful dishes. However, there are types of wine that pair perfectly with Chinese gastronomy.
Dry and mineral white wines
If you are new to wine or don’t have a wide selection in your cellar, know that most Asian dishes will 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 elevate your meal. For spring rolls, a Chablis, Sancerre, or Burgundy Chardonnay will be ideal. They bring acidity and freshness to spring rolls, which can sometimes be a bit greasy.
For spring rolls and shrimp or seafood fritters, a drier white wine is preferable. Burgundy wines like Saint-Véran, Mâcon, Santenay, or Pouilly Fuissé are good choices. Steamed dumplings also prefer dry and mineral wines.
Finally, if you enjoy sweet and sour pork, a fairly rich dry white wine with good power and balance will be perfect. A viognier could definitely enhance this dish.
Semi-sweet white wines
Contrary to what one might think, these wines can perfectly be the main wine of a meal. For the occasion, the caramelized meats in many Asian dishes pair wonderfully with a semi-sweet white wine, such as caramel pork or chicken. They complement the sweetness of the dishes while bringing liveliness to the meat: a perfect balance! We recommend opening a Gewurztraminer from Alsace or a Côtes de Gascogne for the occasion.
Red wine
Even though white wine is preferred when eating Asian food, pairings also exist if you prefer red wine. Chinese soups, often served with meat, are ideal to enjoy with red wine. A red wine from the Southwest, such as Bergerac or Gaillac, will accompany these soups with beautiful aromatic power.
If you are a fan of Peking duck, it also pairs very well with red wine. Choose a structured and slightly tannic red wine. Wines from the Rhône Valley like Crozes-Hermitage, Côtes-Rôties, or Saint-Joseph will elevate this classic dish!
Champagne
If you’re in a very festive mood and feel like opening a good bottle of champagne, you need to bend the traditional Chinese dish rule a bit. Indeed, champagne pairs perfectly with another Asian dish: sushi! For fans of Japanese cuisine, especially sushi and sashimi lovers, bubbles are the perfect match! The acidity and finesse of champagne make it a perfect pairing with raw fish.
