Which Wine to Drink With Dim Sum?

WHICH WHITE WINE TO PAIR WITH DIM SUM?

Although dim sum can originally be found in sweet or savoury versions, it is the savoury version that is most commonly found in Europe. Also known as dumpling or Chinese ravioli, dim sum literally means "touch the heart". These small bites are made of a wheat dough filled with ingredients that can vary: gyosas, pan bao, etc. The type of cooking can also vary between steaming, frying, pan-frying or even in soup! In China, where this dish originated, recipes can also vary from one region to another with different ingredients or cooking techniques.

FRESH DRY WHITE WINE WITH SHRIMP OR VEGETABLE DIM SUM

For your fish, shrimp or vegetable dim sum, opt for a dry white wine, ideally from a fairly northern region so that the wine can exude maximum freshness. A white wine with good acidity and a notable freshness will respect the flavours and textures of the dim sum. A wine with a nice minerality is also to be preferred. Indeed, in order not to mask, but to accompany the iodized notes of the seafood, an appellation known for its minerality is appropriate. The Chablis AOC is without doubt the queen of minerality! In addition, certain cuvées express a saline framework at the end of the palate which goes hand in hand with the iodine of shrimps and shellfish.

SANCERRE AOC

For more fruit on the nose as well as on the palate, the Sauvignon grape variety, particularly from the Sancerre appellation, is a must. A suppleness on the palate as well as an expression of the fruit is more apparent in the Sauvignon from Sancerre than in the Chardonnay from Chablis. However, minerality and freshness are still present! Sancerre, like Chablis, is also known for its sublime minerality. For your dim sum meal with prawns or vegetables, our experts suggest a 100% Sauvignon from the Domaine La Perrière. A flagship domaine of the appellation, this brilliantly coloured cuvée is sure to delight!

SANCERRE - DOMAINE LA PERRIERE

WHICH RED WINE TO PAIR WITH DIM SUM?

For your dim sum with pork or beef, you can serve a red wine. Red wine lovers will be pleased to know that this is possible, provided that the filling of the Chinese ravioli consists of meat and not fish, shellfish or vegetables. Be careful not to select a wine that is too full-bodied with too much tannin. To keep with the idea of accompanying the textures and aromas of the dim sum, it is preferable to choose a light red wine whose tannins are already well integrated or still very discreet. In the composition of the dim sum filling, and often even in the accompanying sauce, the presence of chilli is quite likely. Since the tannins clash with the chilli, causing an unpleasant sensation, the red wine should be low in tannins.

GAMAY FROM BEAUJOLAIS

The Beaujolais region is full of beautiful wines made from the Gamay grape. This grape variety is known for its lightness as well as for its absolutely sublime expression of fruit. The tannins of the Beaujolais wines are discreet, with a superb finesse, letting the aromas of fresh fruit such as raspberry, cherry, redcurrant or forest fruit express themselves.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER AND ASIAN CUISINE

The Gewürztraminer grape variety, found mainly in Alsace, is the champion of Asian food and wine pairings. Literally the 'spicy grape', this highly aromatic grape reveals complex aromas both on the nose and the palate, which absolutely echo the varied sweet and sour flavours often found in Asian food. Spicy, floral and exotic fruit aromas, especially lychee, are characteristic of this variety. Whether vinified as a dry or semi-dry wine, Alsace Gewürztraminer is a perfect accompaniment to dim sum, Chinese ravioli or any other dish with varied aromas. Vinified as a semi-dry wine, it will balance the spiciness of the stuffing or sauce. Indeed, the sweetness of an off-dry wine will contribute to a balance on the palate, thus preventing your taste buds from being too irritated by the chilli.

For a little more sweetness, Vinatis offers you a cuvée from the Domaine Schlumberger. In this cuvée, which can be kept for up to ten years, the aromas are intense. Exotic fruits dominate with notes of lychee and mango, combined with scents of rose and peony on the nose. On the palate, its spicy notes of peppermint and ginger echo those of the dish, bringing balance and harmony.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER - LES PRINCES ABBÉS - DOMAINE SCHLUMBERGER