Friends, Dumplings & Wine

A Spring Festival highlight is getting together with family and friends to make dumplings. There is a soothing rhythm in rolling dough wrappers, topping them with fillings, then folding and pinching them shut. The stockpile of uncooked dumplings and the anticipation of a delicious meal grow in unison.

GIF source: GIPHY

It's also fun to see the different styles of dumpling makers. My friend's Mom, for example, makes picture perfect dumplings, while mine look like they were made by a five-year-old who somehow got into the baijiu. Let's just call them 'creative.'

Creative dumplings by Jim Boyce

The best thing is dumplings are a food we can enjoy all year round. For those who wish to enjoy a drink with their dumplings, or even while making them, there are numerous worthy options.

Of course, finding a "perfect pairing" is a fool's errand given the diversity of dumplings--fillings that can include a wide range of meats, vegetables and seasonings; dipping sauces with soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and more; cooking styles from steaming to boiling to frying, and so on.

In general, sparkling wines are versatile, especially as palate cleansers and in bringing out savoriness, and especially if you sauté or fry your dumplings -- there is a bar in Tokyo specialized in pairing such dumplings with dozens of Champagnes. Try Bernard Remy Blanc de Blanc from France. (Blanc de Blanc means the wine uses only white grape varieties.)

You can also try the Johannes Egberts Liebfraumilch, a German style of wine with a semi-sweetness that can help marry the myriad of flavors found in many dumplings / sauces. (Semi-sweet wines at the Sydney International Wine Competition in Australia were judged with pork and chive dumplings.)

If you prefer red, try the fruit freshness of Seaside Cellars Pinot Noir from New Zealand or Tussock Jumper Pinot Noir from France, the latter also available in 187 ml bottles.

And some Swiss beers by Appenzeller can also work. The lager, with balanced mild hops, and malt and fruit character, is a nice palate cleanser. And for those who seek no buzz, the non-alcohol fruit beer uses 17 apple and 11 pear varieties, delivers layers of flavors and has a light effervescence. It's a refreshing brew to share with friends and to pair with your homemade dumplings.