Wines to complement Spring Festival dinner

Wine is not the traditional beverage to match with a Chinese feast's wide variety of dishes, but experts say there are smart choices that will do the job. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Red: 2013 Morgon Classique, Jean Foillard－Gamay and Beaujolais are typically seen as the poor cousins of pinot noir and red Burgundy. The gamay grape variety is very old and the best Beaujolais producers such as Domain Jean Foillard make excellent examples from the top vineyards such Morgon. The wine is packed with juicy, spicy red fruit wrapped round a fresh, firm structure that make it an ideal accompaniment to many classic roast meats and poultry in Chinese cuisine. Examples like this one have the potential to age, rounding out to something akin to a good quality mature Burgundy.

White: 2013 Mtsvane Qvevri, Georgia, Winery Khareba Monastery－Some may object to this being considered a white wine as this style is today often referred to as orange or amber wine. However it might be categorized in terms of color, the wine has a unique expression of distinctive flavors and mouth-feel arising out of its traditional Georgian method of production using an ancient Georgian grape variety, mtsvane. Maceration and fermentation on grape skins and pips in underground clay amphora (qveri) afford it a dry, tannic structure missing from most "modern" white wines. This structural texture combined with its aromatic peach, apricot and tropical fruit character make it an ideal pairing with robustly flavored Chinese dishes.

Annette Scarfe, Singapore

Red: Rioja Reserva "Vina Ardanza", La Rioja Alta－an older vintage if possible. The soft tannins and juicy fruit match with a range of foods from mild to spicy.

White: Albarino, Pazo Barrantes－Another Spanish wine, its fresh acidity and oily texture is perfect with our fried dishes and seafood.

Sonal Holland, India

Red: Felton Road Pinot Noir Bannockburn, New Zealand－Purity of pinot noir expression, finesse and elegance over power and concentration. The spicy and umami flavors of Chinese food can be wonderfully balanced by the light tannins, perfumed and spicy flavors of this exquisite wine.

White: Weingut Laurenz V. Singing Gruner Veltliner, Kremstal, Austria.－Floral, ripe with nuances of mineral, with a refreshing, zippy finish complements beautifully the myriad flavors of Chinese cuisine.