Wines to complement Spring Festival dinner

Kenichi Ohashi, Japan

Red: 2013 Chateau Mercian Mariko Vineyard Syrah (Nagano, Japan)－High altitude, cool climate style linear Japanese Syrah showing abundant rotundone pepperiness.

White: 2015 Chateau Mercian Koshu girs de gris (Yamanashi, Japan)－Somewhat longer macerated style of pink-skinned Koshu, having spiciness with quality oak tone.

Debra Meiburg, Hong Kong

Red: Matua Single Vineyard Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014 is such a winner due to its versatility with so many dishes at a typical Chinese banquets. It has sufficient weight and concentration to stand up to powerful sauces like hoisin, plum or salty soy. This wine was awarded a silver medal by a panel of pan-Asian experts at the 2016 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.

White: You can never go wrong with a bottle of Dr. Loosen, whether the popular Dr. L Riesling QbA or Dr. Loosen's classic Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (both available from Pudao). These graceful bottles from the Mosel Valley in Germany are laden with nectarine and honeysuckle fruit followed by a deliciously juicy and bright palate. The wine's hint of sweetness and delicate alcohol are counterbalanced by a long, flavorful finish making this wine an ingenious match for a wide range of dishes.