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The Lunar New Year, a vibrant celebration marking the start of a new year in the lunar calendar, is a time for family gatherings, festive feasts, and symbolic rituals. It’s also the perfect occasion to elevate your table with wines that complement the rich flavours of traditional dishes and embody the spirit of good fortune. Here, we’ve curated five exceptional wines that pair beautifully with Lunar New Year delicacies, while also bringing a touch of elegance to your celebrations.

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1. Pinot Noir: A Versatile Companion for Festive Feasts

Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser that shines alongside many Lunar New Year dishes. Its bright red fruit flavours, silky texture, and balanced acidity make it a versatile choice for pairing with savoury and slightly sweet foods.

Pairing Suggestions

• Peking Duck: The crispy skin and rich flavours of Peking duck are complemented by Pinot Noir’s red berry notes and earthy undertones.

• Braised Mushrooms and Vegetables: The wine’s earthiness enhances the umami of mushroom-based dishes.

Recommendation

A New Zealand Pinot Noir from Central Otago or Marlborough delivers the perfect combination of fruitiness and elegance. Look for one with notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice for a harmonious pairing.

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2. Riesling: Bright and Refreshing with a Hint of Sweetness

Riesling is a fantastic option for balancing the bold flavours of Lunar New Year dishes, especially those with a hint of spice or sweetness. Its natural acidity and touch of residual sugar make it a refreshing choice for a variety of dishes.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sweet and Sour Pork: Riesling’s citrus and stone fruit notes cut through the richness of this dish, while its slight sweetness mirrors the sauce’s flavours.

• Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce: The wine’s acidity and minerality enhance the delicate flavours of fish, a symbol of abundance in Lunar New Year traditions.

Recommendation

Opt for an off-dry Riesling from New Zealand’s Waipara Valley. These wines offer a balance of sweetness, crisp acidity, and lively fruit flavours that pair seamlessly with Asian cuisine.

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3. Sparkling Rosé: Bubbles for Celebration

No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without a toast, and sparkling rosé adds both glamour and versatility to the table. Its effervescence and red berry flavours make it an excellent match for a variety of appetizers and lighter dishes.

Pairing Suggestions

• Dim Sum: The light, crisp bubbles of sparkling rosé cut through fried or steamed dim sum, cleansing the palate between bites.

• Yusheng (Prosperity Toss Salad): The vibrant flavours of yusheng pair beautifully with the wine’s lively acidity and fruity notes, creating a festive match.

Recommendation

A sparkling rosé from Marlborough, New Zealand, with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of brioche, adds both flavour and festivity to your Lunar New Year table.

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4. Syrah/Shiraz: Bold and Spicy for Hearty Dishes

For those serving more robust and flavourful dishes, Syrah (or Shiraz) is an excellent choice. Its dark fruit, peppery spice, and full body stand up to rich and complex flavours, making it ideal for Lunar New Year banquets.

Pairing Suggestions

• Lion’s Head Meatballs (Braised Pork Meatballs): The wine’s structure and spice complement the savoury, umami-rich flavours of this dish.

• Beef Rendang: If your Lunar New Year table includes dishes from other parts of Asia, such as spicy beef rendang, Syrah’s bold profile will shine.

Recommendation

Choose a Syrah from New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region. These wines offer intense flavours of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, balanced by a smooth finish.

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5. Rosé: A Delicate and Festive Option

Rosé wines are not only visually appealing but also versatile and food-friendly. Their fresh red fruit flavours and light body make them a delightful choice for Lunar New Year celebrations, especially in warmer climates.

Pairing Suggestions

• Spring Rolls: The crispness of rosé complements the crunchy texture and fresh flavours of spring rolls.

• Char Siu (Barbecued Pork): The slightly smoky and sweet flavours of char siu pair well with the fruity profile of a dry rosé.

Recommendation

A dry New Zealand rosé, perhaps crafted from Pinot Noir, offers vibrant strawberry and watermelon notes with a refreshing acidity—perfect for a festive table.

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Tips for Selecting Lunar New Year Wines

Choosing the right wine for Lunar New Year involves more than just flavour. Here are some tips to make your selections meaningful and symbolic:

1. Go Red for Good Luck

In Chinese culture, red symbolizes prosperity and happiness. Opt for wines with red packaging or labels, or serve red wines to align with the festive spirit.

2. Prioritize Balance

Many Lunar New Year dishes feature a mix of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. Wines with balanced acidity, moderate alcohol, and fruit-forward profiles work best.

3. Serve a Variety

With so many diverse dishes on the table, offering a mix of wine styles—sparkling, white, rosé, and red—ensures there’s something for every palate.

4. Consider Sustainability

If you want to honour the new year with an eco-friendly mindset, choose wines from sustainable or family-owned wineries. This aligns with themes of renewal and harmony.

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Toast to Prosperity

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate the Lunar New Year, let wine bring an added layer of joy and connection to your festivities. From the sparkling effervescence of a rosé to the bold richness of a Syrah, these wines not only pair beautifully with traditional dishes but also elevate the occasion with elegance and cheer. Here’s to a year filled with happiness, prosperity, and delicious pairings.

Create an account with us today, and receive a $10 off coupon to kickstart your New Zealand wine journey with us. Cheers and Happy Lunar New Year!