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As families gather for the 2026 Lunar New Year, the vibrant, dynamic energy of the Year of the Fire Horse calls for a feast of bold flavours and equally spirited drinks. This astrological sign symbolises adventure, strength, and unbridled passion—qualities that should be reflected in your reunion dinner pairings. Moving beyond tradition, the right wine or spirit can harness this fiery energy and elevate every symbolic dish. Here’s how to create a harmonious and powerful table with selections from Chalice & Cru.

To begin, the classic centrepiece of whole steamed fish (寓意年年有余), symbolising abundance, requires a wine with the precision and vitality to match the Fire Horse’s spirit. The Domaine de la Taille aux Loups ‘Remus’ 2023, a stunningly precise and dry Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, is a brilliant match. Its vibrant notes of green apple and intense, flinty minerality cut through the fish’s delicate texture and enhance ginger-scallion sauces, acting as a refreshing, cleansing counterpoint to the meal’s richer elements.

For the fiery, passionate energy of the Horse, embrace robust, spice-forward dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu. The key here is not to match spice with spice, but to provide a cooling, fruity counterbalance. The Spring Vale Vineyard Melrose Pinot Noir 2024 from Tasmania is an inspired choice. This elegant, cool-climate Pinot Noir offers a fragrant bouquet of red cherries and raspberries, with a silky, light-to-medium-bodied palate. Its bright, vibrant acidity and supple tannins act like a refreshing palate cleanser, taming the chilli heat while the wine’s pure red fruit flavours shine through the complex, savoury sauces, creating a beautifully balanced and refreshing contrast.

Rich, braised dishes like Hong Shao Rou (red-braised pork belly) or aromatic braised duck require a red with the strength and structure to complement their savoury-sweet depth—a perfect nod to the Horse’s power. Look to the Jade Vineyard ‘Four Seasons’ 2015, a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend from China’s own Ningxia region. With its ripe blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and firm tannins, it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the dish, its savoury spice notes creating a resonant echo of five-spice.

As the feast reaches its peak, honour the Horse’s untamed spirit with a truly adventurous pairing. For the complex, smoky flavours of tea-smoked duck or char siu, introduce the Rozelieures Single Malt Fumé Collection Whisky. This unique French single malt, dried over beech and oak fires, offers a delicate, woody smoke and notes of honey and baked pear. It’s a captivating conversation piece that bridges the gap between the dinner and digestif courses with its sophisticated, smoky elegance.

Finally, conclude your fiery celebration with a spirit of prosperity and refinement. For a memorable pairing with sweet nian gao (New Year cake) or a platter of oranges, pour the Château du Breuil Pays d’Auge XO Calvados. This exceptional apple brandy, with its profound layers of baked apple, honey, and rancio, offers a luxurious, warming finish. Its natural sweetness complements sticky desserts while its elegant dryness cleanses the palate, grounding the Fire Horse’s energy in a note of profound harmony.

This Lunar New Year, harness the bold, adventurous spirit of the Fire Horse. By pairing symbolic dishes with world-class wines and spirits, you create a festive experience that is both powerfully traditional and excitingly modern.