As we celebrate Chinese New Year, let’s indulge in some of the traditions that have long played a role. Wine for example. Alcohol (jiŭ) was discovered in China thousands of years ago made from fermented grain. Alcohol in this culture represents “long lasting,” so during festivals such as Chinese New Year, it is common to toast to everlasting friendships and happiness. It bears no surprise that it is a staple at this time!
…during festivals such as Chinese New Year, it is common to toast to everlasting friendships and happiness.
The most common alcohol is Chinese white wine, baijiu (báijiŭ). The name originates from its clear colour and can be be made from wheat, barley and among other things, glutinous rice. There are two types of baijiu that are significant in Chinese New Year rituals. Tusu wine and Jiao wine.
Tusu wine (tú sū jiŭ), commonly made with cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, aconite, monkshood and other adventurous ingredients represents an ancient tale of a man who brought a bag of medicinal ingredients to his neighbours. It was soaked and shared on New Year’s Day and thought to have been a protector from the plague. Interestingly, unlike traditional customs, Tusu is drunk first by children, then adults.
Jiao wine (jiāo jiŭ) adds flowers of Sichuan and cypress leaves. This symbolizes peace, health and longevity. It is used as an offering to their ancestors and is an integral part of Chinese New Year.
Fortunately, there are amazing choices of Chinese alcohol available online and in our local liquor stores that fit everyone’s budget! Happy Chinese New Year!
CHATEAU CHANGYU MOSER XV BLANC 2018 (White Blend, 750 mL): The colour comes with a hue of rose, just a touch to indicate the provenance. Surprisingly peachy on the nose with a cornucopia of floral aromas – it certainly enlarges the spectrum of the fragrance in the wine. On the palate it offers a stunning lusciousness of peach and exotic fruits with a hint of violet. The vibrancy comes from its perfectly embedded acidity. A long and rewarding finish. $27.80, available at lcbo.com TAPAIJIU SHAOXING RICE WINE (Pale Lager, 6 x 330 mL bottle): Pale gold colour; aromas of green apple, pear, cereal and white flower; on the palate it is light-medium bodied and lightly carbonated, with subtle flavours of apple, biscuit and a lightly bitter finish. $10.65, available at lcbo.com FEN CHIEW (Liqueur/Liquor, 750 mL) This classic Chinese vodka is fermented underground with sorghum. The taste is mild and sweet with an elegant fragrance. $33.15, available at select lcbo vintage locations
