February 10th marks the Year of the Dragon—a symbol for power, prestige, and strength. And while every culture celebrates differently, the core of the holiday is centered around family reunions, great food, and of course, red envelopes. One thing that’s better than great food, however, is an even better beverage pairing.
That’s why we enlisted the help of Sarah Thompson, the co-owner and sommelier of Bib Gourmand Queen’s English, for the perfect pairing to Chinese dishes. Thompson, who was also the recipient of the Washington, D.C. 2023 Sommelier Award, has carefully curated a beverage program filled with wines from uncommon regions like Bulgaria, Hungary, and Mexico. That, combined with the affordable yet umami-filled menu at Queen’s English, has resulted in an experience that takes diners (and their tastebuds) on a culinary adventure. “We want them to be as surprised with the wine as they are with the food,” Thompson adds.
In preparation for the festivities, we’ve rounded up some of Thompson’s top wines and pairings—so you can usher in the new year and celebrate your good fortunes the MICHELIN Guide way.
And to make it simple, all of these wines can be purchased through Wine Access. Want even more wine? Join the Wine Access’ MICHELIN subscription program, where four bottles of MICHELIN Guide-worthy wine are delivered five times per year to your front door. Developed in partnership with MICHELIN Starred restaurants like Two Star Saison and Three Star Addison, these bottles also come with custom pairing recommendations, instantly elevating any dinner.
WINE: 2017 Domaine Bordenave Cuvee des Dames Jurançon
PAIRING: Chinese cauliflower, pickled raisin, curry-miso toum.
Sarah says: “A sweet wine and curry is always a lovely pairing; the tropical mango and ginger in the wine punches just right with the pickled raisins.”
WINE: 2018 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rouge
PAIRING: Foie gras shumai with sour cherries, water chestnut, and black vinegar.
"The density of flavor in this wine mirrors the intensity of the shumai, yet the soft tannins are just as smooth as the foie itself. The nose plays well with the sour cherry that sits atop each dumpling.”
WINE: 2018 Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino
PAIRING: Crispy pig ear salad, lychee, and goji berry vinaigrette.
“This is an unlikely, incredible pairing. The unctuous crispy pig ears make the fruity red berry side of this wine sing.”
WINE: 2021 Aperture Chenin Blanc Soil Specific Clarksburg
PAIRING: Daikon fritters, baby shrimp, pork sung, mayo, and oyster sauce
"Chenin is such a perfect pairing with Chinese food. The weight of Chenin alone allows it to stand up to some strong umami flavor profiles, the waxiness gives it the perfect backbone to stand up to fritters, yet the lush fruitiness quenches your thirst."
WINE: 2020 Montalbera Fuori Catalogo Rosso Piemonte
PAIRING: Mapo-style octopus pancake
"The lively mouthfeel and low tanning quaffability of this wine make it fun to drink with almost anything, including a heartier dish with a little bit of a kick," she adds.
Hero image: Courtesy of Wine Access
