Another wine and Sprite joke? Put a cork in it
Question: Is it true that people in China mix wine with Sprite?
Answer: Yes.
I have witnessed hundreds of people indulge in this practice that raises the wrath of the wine-loving world. Ironically, most imbibers are foreigners and the smoking gun, so to speak, is none other than… the Champagne cocktail.
Ironic, isn’t it?
Frankly, I have not witnessed Chinese mix Sprite with an ’82 Latour or any other such vintage wine though I am sure this and other vinological atrocities have occurred. (And they make for good copy, as Business Week , The New York Times, Decanter and other media show.) It more likely happens with cheap local wine, the labels most foreigners wouldn’t even stoop to use for the Sangria they brew here. (Aha! Mixing wine and fruit, are we?).
People worldwide mix wine with plenty of things. It’s a pity if vintage wine is despoiled, but when it comes to most local grog, a dash of bubbly (variety: soda) doesn’t hurt. Just something to mull over while enjoying a perfectly good cup of Chinese tea… mixed with sugar and milk.
(Note: I added this post to my grapewallofchina.com site a few days ago, but thought it was appropriate here, too.)
2 commentsTasting time: Beijing
If your taste buds need some exercise, check out some of these upcoming events in our fair city. If you’re in Shanghai, check here. (It’s always best to double-check the details with the event organizers.)
November 28, 7 PM, Loong Bar - JW Marriott (RMB150)
Taittinger Champagne tasting, by Torres, with guest Clovis Taittinger; RSVP with Sophie Sun (5165-519, x208 / sophie@torres.com.cn).
November 29, 7 PM, Aria Restaurant - China World Hotel (RMB888)
Sacred Hill wine dinner, by Jebsen, with chief winemaker Tony Bish; RSVP with Laurie Chai (8519-8693 / lauriechai@jebsen.com)
December 1, 6:30 PM, China Lounge (RMB388)
Washington State wines and contemporary Chinese cuisine, by ASC; RSVP with Dennis Zhang (6418-1598, x130 / dennis@asc-wines.com)
December 4, 7 PM, Le Quai Restaurant & Lounge (RMB508)
Cabernets of the World wine dinner, by Summergate; RSVP with Jessie Xiao (6562-5800 / jessie.xiao@summergate.com)
December 4, 7 PM, L’Isola Restaurant (RMB588)
Planeta wine dinner and launch, by East Meets West, with Francesco Planeta; RSVP with Wendy (6539-3773 / wendy@emw-wines.com).
December 6, 7 PM, Jasmine (RMB249)
Robert Skalli wine dinner, RSVP with Dennis Zhang (6418-1598, x130 / dennis@asc-wines.com)
