Chinese New Year 2022 Drinks: 8 Best Wine To Celebrate The Holiday

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It’s officially Chinese New Year 2022 and that means millions are celebrating the Lunar New Year 2022 - the Year of the Tiger. Here’s hoping that this year will be better than the past couple of years. Of course, the celebration comes with the observance of Chinese New Year traditions to sweep away bad luck and invite good fortune. Such traditions include putting up red decorations, offering food and drinks to ancestors, gift-giving, fireworks, dragon dances and enjoying a feast with loved ones.

The Lunar New Year 2022 is hopefully a year of prosperity and good fortune. To help attract luck and abundance, there are Chinese New Year lucky foods that are brought out including dumplings, fish dishes, spring rolls, longevity noodles, "good fortune fruits" such as oranges and pomelos, glutinous rice cakes and sweet rice balls. Aside from these, Chinese New Year drinks should also be part of the celebration. Chinese alcoholic drinks are usually made with fermented grain and fruits, but who’s to say you can’t pair Chinese food with a good bottle of wine?

As wine has always been associated with European, American and Australian festivities, it’s not commonly associated with Asian food. You’d be surprised to know how certain kinds of wine complement some Chinese dishes. Here are a few suggestions of what to try.

1. Schloss Raggendorf Grüner Veltliner Trocken

This Austrian Grüner Veltliner from the Schloss Raggendorf winery is light, dry and is more on the acidic side. This white wine features a mix of citrus, tree fruit and vegetal notes like gooseberry for a refreshing drink that’s perfect for hot weather. Its clean and fresh taste pairs very well with your favorite spring rolls.

2. Lenz Moser Grüner Veltliner

This Grüner Veltliner hails from the Lenz Moser winery in Austria. It has an alcoholic content of 12% and is very dry, light and with acidic characteristics. It features notes of citrus, pear, honey and melon for a simple yet crisp taste. Pair this bottle with your favorite fried Chinese appetizers like spring rolls or potstickers.

3. Les Costières de Pomerols Hugues de Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet

This French Picpoul de Pinet uses Folle Blanche grapes from the region to create a dry Languedoc-Roussillon White that’s balanced in terms of acidity and lightness. It features citrus aromas and green apple tasting notes finished with zesty acidity. This wine is perfect to enjoy with dumplings and fish dishes -- anything light.

4. 2020 Fog Harbor Chardonnay

This 2020 Fog Harbor Chardonnay is a medium to full-bodied white wine from California that greets your nose with the aroma of zest and baked goods -- imagine lemon cream pies. It features tasting notes of tropical fruits including pineapple and banana with a buttery finish that comes from aging in oak barrels. Get hints of toasted nuts and vanilla in each sip. This wine is great to pair with braised pork or crispy duck this Chinese New Year.

5. 2020 Roche Mazet Chardonnay

The 2020 Roche Mazet Chardonnay is a dry Chardonnay with an ABV of 12.5% and comes from the South of France. This medium-bodied white wine uses manually harvested grapes for optimal fermentation. It features the aroma and tasting notes of honeyed pears, almonds and spices that give way to a woody and vanilla finish. Pair this wine with chicken or seafood dishes with a rich sauce.

6. 2019 Goldridge Reserve Pinot Noir

This 2019 Goldridge Reserve Pinot Noir is a dry red wine from New Zealand with an ABV of 13.5%. It features a deep red color with the aroma and taste of plum, strawberry, cherry and a hint of oak. A harmony of soft acidity and firm tannins makes this wine enjoyable with Char Siu and other flavor-rich pork dishes.

7. George Phillips Cellars Signature Reserve No. 1764 Sparkling Brut Rosé

The George Phillips Cellars Signature Reserve No. 1764 Sparkling Brut Rosé is perfect for those who enjoy rosé. It features notes of raspberry and other red fruits with fresh citrus plus a floral nose. A fine effervescence accentuates the fruity flavors on the palate with a crisp, fresh and smooth finish. Pair it with light dishes like Chinese appetizers or be adventurous and pair it with spicy, Sichuan-style dishes.

8. Vintner's Choice California Red and White Wine Trio

Can’t decide which type of wine to buy for Chinese New Year 2022? Get Vintner's Choice California Red and White Wine Trio. Get three bottles of great wine including J. Vineyard’s Pinot Gris with notes of peach, pear, citrus fruits and pineapple that merge into a crisp finish; Talbott Pinot Noir which features soft and silky tannins with berries, herbs and hints of oak in its flavor and Frei Brothers Merlot that features dark berries and licorice in its tasting notes, plush tannins, hints of oak, roasted coffee and cocoa.