Hello. I trust you have all enjoyed some beautiful Châteauneuf-du-Pape over the month of July.

For the month of August, as the heat makes its strongest stand this season, I would like to introduce you to a beautiful California grape, namely Zinfandel.

A grape that produces a robust red wine, it is found in over 10% of all plantations in California. Its origins are slightly uncertain as some believe its roots lie in Italy whilst others have found evidence as far as Croatia.

Nevertheless, Zinfandel is an exquisite fruit that produces excellent wines with hints of raspberry when produced in cooler climates, or blackberry and anise if it comes from warmer grounds.

I personally like this wine because of its compatibility with Chinese food, whether the traditional Yue cuisine found at Yan Ting, or as the season calls for - spicy food from either Sichuan or Hunan.  

Zinfandel is able to produce a higher than average concentration of alcohol; its smooth bouquets and long finishes are the perfect accompaniment to local cuisine. For those of you less adventurous, these wines are a glove to hand with the most amazing marbled cuts soon available in Riviera.

This month, we will see the debut of our new menu in Yan Ting & Riviera Restaurant. It contains longside a refreshed wine list where you will find some amazing stories in bottles from fourteen countries.  Four of these bottles come straight from Sonoma County, California and will represent this amazing grape to its fullest extent in the names of Seghesio, Ridge & Ravenswood.

I look forward to welcoming you this month to experience the perfect pairing of our signature dishes and Zinfandel wines.
Salud.