“With wine of grapes, the cups of jade would glow at night (葡萄美酒夜光杯) ” was a line of Tang Dynasty poetry that intrigued me even before I reached drinking age.
Not only did it paint a stunningly beautiful picture in the minds of countless readers like me, but it also suggests that China does have a long history of winemaking, even though grape wine culture has not reached mainstream status there compared to countries like France and other European counterparts. Fast forward to recent years, seeing the swift ascent of Chinese wines and wineries to international renown is remarkable, with many of them earning prestigious wine awards. Exploring China's extensive landscapes and visiting its wineries and vineyards would be a delightful experience. However, even before we can do so, the very best of them have come to us.
Weekender Singapore is honoured to be invited to the media preview of the two-night wine pairing dinner event jointly hosted by Andaz with expert wine consultant Li Meiyu, the first female sommelier in Mainland China to attain the Advanced Sommelier accreditation, at Cantonese restaurant 5 On 25. Each wine is meticulously chosen to capture the essence of its unique terroir authentically and thoughtfully paired with a menu crafted by the 5 ON 25 culinary team to bring this immersive and unparalleled experience to wine connoisseurs and aficionados alike. Without further ado, let us share more about the eight exclusive wines that impressed us from start to finish, together with the complementary dinner menu.
5. Jia Bei Lan Babyfeet Pinot Noir 2018, Helan Mountain East, Ningxia
Now, we head to the foot of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, where Helan Qingxue Vineyard is located. The winery is well-known for its Jia Bei Lan wine series, which has won numerous awards in China and abroad. It is also the only Chinese winery that has won the International Trophy of the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the highest honour in the competition, with its Jia Bei Lan Grand Reserve 2009. Knowing this, we waited eagerly for our first red wine of the dinner, and we were not disappointed. As the ruby red liquid swirled in our cups, we were hit by the rich and invigorating smell of red berries such as red currants and hawthorns. The taste was lively yet seasoned, a perfect pairing for the oolong tea-smoked duck breast served with kumquat and vanilla sauce.
In the realm of wine, experts have characterized Chinese wine as not fitting squarely into either the "new world" or "old world" category. This prompts consideration for a distinct category, carving out its unique identity within the global wine sphere. The evolution of wineries in China is evident as they adopt innovative methods, incorporating biodynamic and sustainable approaches alongside established winemaking practices. This evolving landscape of Chinese wine, coupled with the widening appreciation for wine and food pairings that transcend traditional norms, hints at potential changes in the upcoming menu and wine list of 5 On 25, which we look forward to seeing.
For dining reservations, please click here.
5 On 25 is at 5 Fraser St, Level 25 Andaz, Singapore 189354.
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