All right, it’s Friday afternoon and I can’t access any of my photos of Chinese dishes, so I’m stretching to cover a rather atypical food: dirt. Long-time readers will recall I earlier wrote about this story out of Inner Mongolia – Earth-eating Girl Tilts At Guinness Record – and now I am shamelessly doing so again:
The girl, called Wuqibalaqiqige, became a minor celebrity after the media broadcast stories about her curious eating habits last year… The girl said she feels no need to eat normal food now that she has discovered how much she likes to eat soil.
See this previous post – A shovel-full of your finest, please – for a few wine-dirt pairings, and additional suggestions are more than welcome. I”ll have a more typical dish next Friday.
Cross-posted from my Beijing nightlife blog. I’ll soon post a list of Chinese wines to try for those in Beijing for the Olympics – it’s hard to believe they start in less than eight hours! JB.
Both residents of Beijing and the barbarians descending upon it for the Olympics will require watering holes in which to drink the sweet tastes of success and the bitters of failure. Over the next few days, I’ll be making “bar picks†and welcome others to throw in their two kuai. Yesterday, I looked at sports bars. Today, it’s wine bars. (Note: Part of the reason I picked some places is due to their proximity to other places.)
–
Aria
This first-floor bar in China World Hotel offers relaxed surroundings, good service, and a wine list that ranges from entry level to the Granges and Lafittes (at, of course, hotel prices). While the average five-star hotel has a wine list to satisfy most people, what I like about Aria is that it draws a crowd and has been the site of many a good wine tasting.
Bonus: Bar manager Danny Kane knows his vino.
Personal memory: When Australian Wine Maker Ben Glaetzer finally answered a lifelong question of mine – What wine goes kangaroo?
–
La Baie des Anges
Not the easiest place to find (see this map), LBDA is beside Hutong Pizza and about 100 meters from Houhai (Lotus Lane side). Not the biggest place, it offers wine by the glass and bottle at reasonable prices.
Bonus: Combine a visit here with a walk about that takes in Houhai, the drum and bell tower area, and Nanluoguxiang.
Personal memory: The time I dragged several friends across town and on a wild goose chase around Houhai only to finally LBDA and discover it is closed on Mondays. Ugh.
–
Palette Vino
Those willing to visit suburban Beijing should head to Pinnacle Plaza in Shunyi, where Palette Vino offers an excellent (especially Australian) selection of wines. Steak, lamb, and other items from the kitchen are available for those wishing to pair some food with their purchase.
Bonus: The South German Bakery outlet next door has excellent bread. Extra bonus: Get a further idea of the wine available in Beijing by browsing the selection at the Jenny Lou’s shop in the same plaza.
Personal memory: Drinking Riesling and eating BBQ salmon after a long trip to a local winery.
Bonus: Try the Gruner Veltiner that the owners import from Austria.
Personal memory: When Cafe Europa celebrated its first anniversary by barbecuing a pig – you don’t see that too often in a business and residential complex.
–
Enoteca / CJW
Enoteca is a Shanghai-based wine bar chain recently opened its first branch in The Place (it offers about 100 wines, starting at RMB98 per bottle, and a tapas menu). CJW stands for Cigar, Jazz, Wine and is a bit pricier but more upscale spot in The Place. Either one is worth a stop, after dusk, for a glass of wine and a good view of that massive sky screen outside. [Note: I have received a few complaints about service at Enoteca and I had my own problems during a recent visit.]
Bonus: Beforehand, head across the street (east side) to Central Park and scope out the wine selections at Pekotan (deli and wine shop), Amigo / Top Cellar (restaurant and wine shop), Madam He, and Lohao (an organic shop – it sells two brands of Chinese wines).
Thursday, June 26, LAN, 7 PM, RMB280
Lafite wine from France, Chile, Argentina; RSVP with Jennifer Zhang at 6562-1800, x102 / jennifer.zhang@summergate.com.
Thursday, June 26, 7-8:30 PM, Bentos & Berries (Kerry Centre), free South African wine tasting, with 8 wines, 4 estates, by Top Cellar; RSVP: 13521-434-994, marketing@topcellar.com.cn or here.
Friday, June 27, 7-9 PM, Cellar Le Pinot, RMB50 Rose wine tasting, with wine from 5 countries; to RSVP or for info, contact Joy Zhou at zhoumeixing@lepinot.com.
Friday, June 27, 6:30 PM, Sequoia Cafe (Guanghua Lu), RMB100 Merlot tasting, with 5 wines from 4 countries; RSVP with Frank at 13701-178-073.
Saturday, June 28, 6:30 PM, Maison Boulod (Legation Quarter), RMB4888 Haut-Brion / La Mission Haut-Brion dinner, with 7 wines, by ASC; with wineries’ owner Prince Robert of Luxembourg, GM / winemaker Jean-Philippe Delmas, and, for restaurant opening, chef Daniel Boulud; RSVP with Helen Lu at helenlu@asc-wines.com / 6587-3803.
Monday, June 30, 1:30-5 PM, Hilton Beijing, RSVP – see below
French Wine Trade Show, by Sopexa; with wines from 10 French operations seeking importer links; RSVP with Adele Jia at adele.jia@sopexa.com.cn or 6588-8675/77. Similar events will be held in Shanghai on July 1 (RSVP: Ling Wang at Ling.wang@sopexa.com.cn) and Shenzhen on July 3 (RSVP: Guangdong@sopexa.com.cn).
Thursday, July 10, 7-8.30 PM, Amigo (Central Park), free Rose and white wine tasting, by Top Cellar; RSVP at 13521-434-994 or marketing@topcellar.com.cn.
July 12, Aria, RMB1888 Wine dinner with critic Robert Joseph, with Chateau Leoville Le Case wines (2005, 1993, 1983, 1975), by Jebsen; RSVP with Danny Kane at danny.kane@shangri-la.com.
August 5-7 Blu Lobster, RMB2888 + 15% “Creative cuisine” event with Pascal Barbot and Christophe Rohat of L’Astrance and Brian McKenna of Blu Lobster. More details to come.
Note: If you intend to attend any of the above events, it is best to confirm the details with the venue ahead of time. To get a wine event listed, send event info, preferably in text format, to beijingboyce@yahoo.com.
(Note: This translation my post on the May 26 trade tasting with Robert Parker, held in Beijing by ASC, was facilitated by Ma Huiqin, professor at China Agricultural University.)
Hong Kong abolished wine duties in February and aims to become a wine hub. Kapon is quoted as saying that Chinese buyers won “about 30 percent of the top 20 lots.”
Tuesday, May 27-Thursday, May 29, 9:30 AM-6:30 PM, Hong Kong Exhibition Center
Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, international wine and spirits exhibitions for trade professionals.
Friday, May 30, 7-8:30 PM, Bento & Berries (Kerry Centre Hotel), free
Deutz Champagne tasting, by Top Cellar; RSVP with Cedric at marketing@topcellar.com.cn / 13439-467-514.
Friday, May 30, 6:30 PM, Sequoia Cafe (Sanlitun), RMB 100
Rose tasting, with 5 wines; RSVP with Frank at 13701-178-073.
Sunday, June 1, 5:30 PM, Pinnacle Plaza (Shunyi), RMB200 Maison Albert Bichot tasting, with Sommelier Delphine De la Fouchardie; by Palette Wines; RSVP with Dazz Ma at 8046-4461 / dazzling@palettewines.cn
Tuesday, June 3, 4-8 PM, 1949: The Hidden City, RMB150 Global wine extravaganza, with leaders from 20 wineries – Joseph Phelps, Seghesio, Trimbach, Meerlust , Santa Rita, etc; by ASC; RSVP with Helen at helenlu@asc-wines.com.
Saturday, June 14, 3-6 PM, Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, RMB120 The Culinary Coin Festival, with free-flow Champagne / wine, coffee, chocolate, and more.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Greenfish (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Volker Drkosch, 1-star Michelin chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Cepe (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Claudio Sadlerm, Michelin star chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Qi (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Eric M. Johnson, from Shanghai’s Jean George; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Note: To get a wine event listed, send event info, preferably in text format, to beijingboyce@yahoo.com. If you intend to attend any of the above events, it is best to confirm with the venue ahead of time.
Note: I have about 30 posts just or nearly finished in the queue, so expect a slew of posts about the Robert Parker visit, recent tastings, developments in China’s wine scene and more over the new few weeks – JB.
Upcoming Beijing wine-related events
Thursday, May 22, 7 PM, Summer Palace (China World), RMB2008 “Road to Beijing†wine dinner and charity auction, 8 Chinese food-French wine pairings; auction of sports art and memorabilia (part of proceeds to Care for Children); RSVP at 6505-5838.
Thursday, May 22, 7 PM, Sheraton Great Wall Hotel (21F), RMB588 Grace Vineyardwine dinner, with Grace President Judy Leissner; by Torres China, RSVP with Sophie at sophie@torres.com.cn.
Thursday, May 22, 7-10 PM, Cafe Europa, RMB180
“Four continents†tasting, with NZ, US, French wines, and finger foods; RSVP Joseph Kiang at Cafe Europa @5869 5663 / 13910-097-621.
Thursday, May 22, 6:30 PM, Le Little Saigon, RMB70
Loire Valley wine tasting, with 7 wines and buffet; RSVP with Raphael at 13520-795-172 or raphael@bylweb.com.
Friday, May 23, 7 PM, Aria (China World Hotel), RMB1288
Guigal wine dinner, with 7 wines and wine makers Philippe and Marcel Guigal; RSVP with Danny at Aria (6505-2266, x36 / danny.kane@shangri-la.com) or Helen at ASC (6587-3803 / homedelivery@asc-wines.com).
Friday, May 23, 7-9 PM, Cellar Le Pinot, RMB50 “Wine & Lady†tasting party, with four wines; RSVP at 8515-1715 / zhoumeixing@lepinot.com
Saturday, May 24, Great Wall of China, RMB15888
Robert Parker wine dinner, by ASC; food by Blu Lobster; 8 wines rated 94+ by Parker; RSVP with Adam Steinberg at adamsteinberg@asc-wines.com.
Tuesday, May 28, 7 PM, Blu Lobster, RMB988
Alain Chabanon wine dinner, with winery owner Alain Chabanon, by East Meets West; RSVP with Blu Lobster (8882-6727) or EMW (6445-5797).
Friday, May 30, 7-8:30 PM, Bento & Berries (Kerry Centre Hotel), free
Deutz Champagne tasting, by Top Cellar; RSVP with Cedric at marketing@topcellar.com.cn / 13439-467-514.
Tuesday, June 3, 4-8 PM, 1949: The Hidden City, RMB150 Global wine extravaganza, with leaders from 20 wineries – Joseph Phelps, Seghesio, Trimbach, Meerlust , Santa Rita, etc; by ASC; RSVP with Helen at helenlu@asc-wines.com.
Saturday, June 14, 3-6 PM, Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, RMB120 The Culinary Coin Festival, with free-flow Champagne / wine, coffee, chocolate, and more.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Greenfish (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Volker Drkosch, 1-star Michelin chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Cepe (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Claudio Sadlerm, Michelin star chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Qi (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Eric M. Johnson, from Shanghai’s Jean George; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Note: To get a wine event listed, send event info, preferably in text format, to beijingboyce@yahoo.com. If you intend to attend any of the above events, it is best to confirm with the venue ahead of time.
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM, Bookworm, RMB180
Australian wine tasting, 6 wines from 3 regions, by The Wine Republic; RSVP at 5869-7050 / events@thewinerepublic.com. (Note: RMB100 of each fee will go to the Red Cross for earthquake relief efforts in Sichuan.)
Friday, May 16, 7-8:30 PM, Bento & Berries (Kerry Centre Hotel), free Henry Bourgeois wine tasting, by Top Cellar; RSVP with Cedric at marketing@topcellar.com.cn / 13439-467-514.
Friday, May 16, 6:30 PM, Sequoia Cafe (Sanlitun), RMB 100 Languedoc tasting, with 5 red wines; RSVP with Frank at 13701-178-073.
Thursday, May 22, 7 PM, Summer Palace (China World), RMB2008 “Road to Beijing†wine dinner and charity auction, 8 Chinese food-French wine pairings; auction of sports art and memorabilia (part of proceeds to Care for Children); RSVP at 6505-5838.
Thursday, May 22, 7 PM, Sheraton Great Wall Hotel (21F), RMB588 Grace Vineyardwine dinner, with Grace President Judy Leissner; by Torres China, RSVP with Sophie at sophie@torres.com.cn.
Thursday, May 22, 7-10 PM, Cafe Europa, RMB180
“Four continents” tasting, with NZ, US, French wines, and finger foods; RSVP Joseph Kiang at Cafe Europa @5869 5663 / 13910-097-621.
Thursday, May 22, 6:30 PM, Le Little Saigon, RMB70
Loire Valley wine tasting, with 7 wines and buffet; RSVP with Raphael at 13520-795-172 or raphael@bylweb.com.
Friday, May 23, 7 PM, Aria (China World Hotel), RMB1288
Guigal wine dinner, with 7 wines and wine makers Philippe and Marcel Guigal; RSVP with Danny at Aria (6505-2266, x36 / danny.kane@shangri-la.com) or Helen at ASC (6587-3803 / homedelivery@asc-wines.com).
Friday, May 23, 7-9 PM, Cellar Le Pinot, RMB50 “Wine & Lady” tasting party, with four wines; RSVP at 8515-1715 / zhoumeixing@lepinot.com
Saturday, May 24, Great Wall of China, RMB15888
Robert Parker wine dinner, by ASC; food by Blu Lobster; 8 wines rated 94+ by Parker; RSVP with Adam Steinberg at adamsteinberg@asc-wines.com.
Tuesday, May 28, 7 PM, Blu Lobster, RMB988
Alain Chabanon wine dinner, with winery owner Alain Chabanon, by East Meets West; RSVP with Blu Lobster (8882-6727) or EMW (6445-5797).
Friday, May 30, 7-8:30 PM, Bento & Berries (Kerry Centre Hotel), free
Deutz Champagne tasting, by Top Cellar; RSVP with Cedric at marketing@topcellar.com.cn / 13439-467-514.
Tuesday, June 3, 4-8 PM, 1949: The Hidden City, RMB150 Global wine extravaganza, with leaders from 20 wineries – Joseph Phelps, Seghesio, Trimbach, Meerlust , Santa Rita, etc; by ASC; RSVP with Helen at helenlu@asc-wines.com.
Saturday, June 14, 3-6 PM, Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, RMB120 The Culinary Coin Festival, with free-flow Champagne / wine, coffee, chocolate, and more.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Greenfish (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Volker Drkosch, 1-star Michelin chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Cepe (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Claudio Sadlerm, Michelin star chef; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Saturday, June 14, 7-10 PM, Qi (Ritz-Carlton Financial Street), RMB2008 Dinner with Eric M. Johnson, from Shanghai’s Jean George; RSVP at 6601-6666.
Note: To get a wine event listed, send event info, preferably in text format, to beijingboyce@yahoo.com. If you intend to attend any of the above events, it is best to confirm with the venue ahead of time.
Note: I just received this information from guest contributor P.A. Make sure to check out his comment at the bottom of this post.
By Joyce Bim
Top Chinese winery Great Wall today announced it will acquire Australian wine label Penfolds. Southcorp, the label’s owner, confirmed the deal is all but done, but refused to release details of the price.
Great Wall’s business development director, A.P. Fu, told reporters the company was excited about growing its presence in foreign markets. “Given its extensive range of wines, long tradition, and superb marketing strategies, Penfolds is a great fit with our business model,” he said.
Great Wall, in an effort to emulate the success of Penfolds, will market its labels side-by-side with those of the legendary winery.
“We will market Grange Shiraz alongside our new wine, Great South Wall Shiraz,” said Fu. “In terms of Penfold’s popular ‘Bin’ series, such as Bin 407, Bin 389, and so on, we will create a ‘Ping’ series.”
Fu said longer-term plans include exporting Australian grapes to China for blending with Chinese juice. “We plan to have labels that show the close cooperation between our two peace-loving nations,” said Fu, who added that one idea is a label showing a panda and a koala hugging.
This move has not caught other Chinese wine-makers flatfooted, as there are already reports that Dynasty is in the final stages of buying Robert Mondavi wines in the United States, while other Chinese companies have been taking their checkbooks to France. One conglomerate has been talking about using part of China’s massive foreign reserves to buy the entire Bordeaux region.
A reader recently contacted Grape Wall about working in China. Here are the details:
An Australia-based wine maker is planning to move to China and is looking to work in the local wine industry. He is open to opportunities that range from consulting on the late-harvest period to working in distribution, and has interest in creating a label specific to the China market.
He is based in Yarra Valley. He has worked in France (Burgundy), Italy (Piedmonte), and Australia (McLaren Vale / Clare Valley) and has a degree in oenology from Adelaide University.
To contact him, e-mail: dfletcher@sticks.com.au