Celebrating Chinese New Year with 8 Italian Wines.

Many will welcome the Year of the Horse in February 2026. Here's why these 8 wines are especially good accompaniment and auspicious for celebrating Chinese New Year. Of course 8 is always considered lucky in Chinese.

These wines are chosen for their ability to complement a banquet-style dinner, where multiple dishes are served and enjoyed together from start to finish. The focus is on wine styles and categories rather than specific labels, since exact bottles may not be available in your region.

Photo by Dyana Wing So

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Franciacorta.

馥奇达 Franciacorta for elegance and abundance.

Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige NV @cadelbosco_official

A prestigious Italian sparkling wine produced in Lombardy, northern Italy, using the traditional metodo classico. It is crafted primarily from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, featuring notes of biscuit, brioche, lemon, and yeast. A party starter from start to finish.

Alta Langa Spumante (Sparkling)

阿尔塔朗格 Alta Langa Spumante for lively bubbles and good fortune

Cocchi Blanc de Blanc Alta Langa Brut. @cocchi1891

Alta Langa is a DOCG in Italy known for producing vintage Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sparklings, with production often compared to Champagne. Pair beautifully with Sichuan Spices, Steamed Fish and more.

Lambrusco.

蓝布鲁斯科 Lambrusco Sparkling for good fortune, romance, energy, and the essence of life. 

Cantine di Soliera Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce.

@cantinadisoliera

From Italy’s Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy regions, a red sparkling wine in both dry and off dry styles that offer the complete range of Lambrusco varietals, that will drink beautiful from start to finish. 

Lambrusco di Sorbara

The lightest in color (pale ruby) and body, known for high acidity, floral aromas, and delicate red fruit (cherry).

Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro:

The boldest, deepest in color, and most tannic. It is full-bodied with rich blackberry and cherry flavors.

Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce

The most commonly planted variety. It bridges the gap between Sorbara and Grasparossa, offering a balance of red fruit and moderate tannins.

Lambrusco Maestri.

Known for deep color and softer tannins, often used to add body and richness to blends.

Brunello di Montacino.

布鲁奈罗 Brunello di Montalcino as a wine of depth, patience and longevity. 

Giodo Brunello Di Montalcino 2020 @giodwines

It is a prestigious DOCG red wine from Tuscany, Italy, made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, often referred to as "the pearl of Tuscan wines".  Full-bodied, high acidity, firm tannins, with notes of red fruit, dried herbs, tobacco, and balsamic. A favourite wine pairing with abalone. 

Langhe Nebbiolo.

朗格 内比奥罗 Langhe Nebbiolo as an graceful, elegant bridge between traditions and the modern.  

Pio Cesare Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2014 @piocesare1881

From Italy's Piedmont region, its often considered as the Prince, made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, it features vibrant red fruit aromas (cherry, strawberry), floral notes, and high, firm tannins. Pairing beautifully with spices, roasted duck and other meat dishes.

Valpolicella.

瓦坡里切拉  Valpolicella as a rich, powerful nod to prosperity

Nicolit Amarone della Valpolicella 2020 @nicolitwinery

Valpolicella wines are from Italy’s Veneto region. They range from light, fruity Valpolicella Classico to Valpolicella Ripasso, to the powerful intense Amarone di Valpolicella.  Primarily blended from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes, these wines often feature cherry, chocolate, and herbal notes.

Perfect pairing with Braised Pork Belly, Crispy Noodles, Roasted Duck and Peranakan curries.

Some styles to help you select the perfect bottle.

Valpolicella DOC

Light and fresh while Superiore is aged at least 1 year.

Valpolicella Ripasso

also known as "baby Amarone," this style passes Valpolicella wine over dried skins from Amarone production, adding body, tannins, and deeper flavor.

Amarone della Valpolicella.

A prestigious, full-bodied, high-alcohol dry red made from appassimento (partially dried) grapes, resulting in intense raisin, chocolate, and cherry flavors.

Etna Rosso.

 埃特纳红 Etna Rosso for good energy, harmony and renewal.  

Nicosia Monte Gorna Etna Rosso DOC

@nicosiawinery

Etna Rosso is a distinctive DOC red wine from Sicily, Italy, produced on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. It's a blend of indigenous grapes Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, grown on the lava terraces. It is known for its elegant, mineral-driven profile with notes of red berries, violet, and smoke. Pair with Mushrooms, Beef Tripe.

Barolo.

巴羅洛 Barolo for tradition and longevity,

Barolo is a prestigious Italian red wine from Piedmont, crafted entirely from Nebbiolo grapes. Known as "the King of Wines," it is renowned for its high tannins, bracing acidity, and complex aromas of rose, tar, cherry, and truffle. Modern styles can be accessible with it's elegant structure while traditional style requires a long aging due to its tannis.

The best vineyards are in the Langhe hills, with Barolo/La Morra producing more perfumed, lighter styles and Serralunga/Monforte d'Alba offering more robust, age-worthy wines. Its strong structure pairs best with rich, fatty foods like Pork Belly, Preserved Meats, Steak and more.

Happy Celebrations.

Please drink responsibly. Wishing you a Happy Prosperous and wonderful new start to the Year of Horse. 恭喜发财 Gong Xi Fai Cai ! Ti auguro prosperità.

About the Curator.

JJ is based in Sydney and works as a Business First International Cabin Crew and is a Sommelier and teaches hospitality.

@travelsomm || iknowthesomm.com

wine it forward. one wine. one place

and one story at a time.

sospeso, grazie mille.