2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, beginning on February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and concluding on January 28th, 2025. “In Chinese culture, the Dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It symbolizes power, nobility, honour, luck, and success. Consequently, 2024 is forecast to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges. If you’re seeking a shift in your current lives, this year might offer a favourable chance.” (www.chinahighlights.com)
Some Famous People Born in the Year of the Dragon
- Bruce Lee – The legendary martial artist and actor was born in the in 1940 (Metal Dragon)
- Salvador Dali – The iconic Spanish artist was born in 1904. (Wood Dragon)
- John Lennon – The influential musician and peace activist was born in 1940. (Metal Dragon)
- Al Pacino – The award-winning actor (1940).
(https://www.thechinesezodiac.org/year-of-the-dragon/)
Wines and Spirits with a Dragon Theme
I scoured the web to find wines and spirits from British Columbia and beyond that have a dragon theme. Here are the bottles I was able to find that you may want to enjoy with your Lunar New Year celebrations.
Wines and Spirits Available Through BC Liquor Stores
Enrico Winery Red Dragon Rosé 2020, BC: 2021 – BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Gold Medal winner
Chateau Quintus Dragon de Quintus, 2019, St. Emilion Grand Cru, France: “Beautiful dark red color. The first nose is intense, fruity and fresh. At the’ agitation, the nose becomes more complex and a discreet woody mixes with ripe black fruits. The wine enters the palate fine and elegant, then, it evolves on a fairly dense tannic frame, moderately long. The fruit accompanies the structure and flesh.
This Dragon leaves an impression of delicious balance. It resembles the 2012 by its charming and sweet side linked to merlot, the dominant grape of this blend.” (https://vinotheque-bordeaux.com/bordeaux/5827-72116-dragon-de-quintus.html)
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI IL DRAGO 8 2019 Tuscany: “From Trequanda’s Fattoria del Colle, at 400m on hills of predominantly limestone and sandstone comes this Supertuscan blend of Sangiovese (60%), and equal parts Merlot, and Sagrantino. This was vinified in stainless before 18 months in large barrels and in 5-7 hl French oak tonneaux. Spiced ripe cherry, fleshy raspberry fills a generous palate, licked with leather, and framed with ample sticky tannins which take this to a baking spiced end. Try with grilled beef / lamb / root veg. The 8 doves on the label represent this groundbreaking female-led winery, while the dragon represents Donatella’s ever-present husband and confidant, Carlo.” (https://www.lesommelier.com/wines/p/donatella-cinelli-colombini-il-drago#)
Spirits
ROYAL DRAGON IMPERIAL VODKA WITH 23 CARAT GOLD LEAVES: “This exquisite taste vodka with a masterly sculpted Water Dragon define the Imperial as the ultimate temptation. Made from small batch using the finest winter rye, distilled five times using a century old copper pot still. The Imperial is infused with the highest quality certified 23 Carat Gold Leaves from Switzerland; the finest choice for those who like to enjoy an unmatched level of perfection.” (BC Liquor Stores)
JOHNNIE WALKER – GAME OF THRONES A SONG OF FIRE: “This exquisite taste vodka with a masterly sculpted Water Dragon define the Imperial as the ultimate temptation. Made from a small batch using the finest winter rye, distilled five times using a century old copper pot still. The Imperial is infused with the highest quality certified 23 Carat Gold Leaves from Switzerland; the finest choice for those who like to enjoy an unmatched level of perfection.” (BC Liquor Stores). If you are having Game of Thrones withdrawal symptoms, you could get the whole series to watch at your leisure.
RYUJIN – JAPANESE WHISKY: “The Japanese dragon is a powerful being that controls water and rains. They are believed to bring luck and symbolize power, strength, and authority. Ryujin, the deity of the sea in Japanese myths, is one of the most important of all Japanese dragons. He represents the power of the ocean and was a patron of Japan. Considering that the sea and seafood are important for Japanese livelihood, Ryujin plays a significant role in Japanese culture and history, and is believed to be one of the forefathers of the Japanese imperial dynasty. Recognizing the most significant dragon in Japanese culture gave rise to the bold and vibrant flavours of the Ryujin whisky. Fruity and floral notes weave throughout the taste, with honey, orange peel and white chocolate flavours. The finish is mellow with a hint of oak.” (BC Liquor Stores)
BC Wines Available Through the Winery
Enrico Winery Red Dragon Rosé 2020, BC: 2021 – BC Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Awards Gold Medal winner.
Haywire Winery Lunar Red 2021, BC: From the winery, this wine is “Fermented and aged in Nico Velo concrete vessels, gently basket pressed and allowed to age for 11 months before bottling unfiltered.” The wine is vegan-friendly. An acidity-driven wine that provides you with red fruits, raspberries, red cherries, and leather on the nose and palate. Light mouthfeel, soft, and lightly round. Medium-plus length.
Checkmate Artisanal Winery Lunar New Year 2020 Silent Bishop Merlot: From the winery, “On the palate, experience the majestic embodiment of the dragon through blueberry and black fruits, their flavours enhanced by the wisdom of tobacco, the allure of mocha, and the herbal influences that weave a tapestry of tradition. Like the dragon’s harmonious dance, the well-balanced acidity and bright tannins gracefully intertwine, producing a wine that resonates with harmony, length, and intensity…In each sip, discover the perfect pairing of tradition and modernity, creating a symphony that echoes the joyous festivities of the Lunar New Year. May this wine be a celebration in itself, capturing the essence of the Year of the Dragon with every nuanced note, leaving a lasting impression as profound as the dragon’s roar.”
Wines from Around the World
House of the Dragon, California: This is a collection of three wines inspired by the HBO series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. The wines are a Pinot Noir, a Red blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon, all bottled by Seven Kingdoms Cellars, a division of Vintage Wine Estates.
Trefethen Family Vineyards Dragon’s Tooth, Napa Valley, California: This is a red wine blend composed of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and has aromas of blackberries, plums, and spices.
Dragonette Cellars, Santa Barbara County, California: This is a family-owned winery that produces small-lot wines from cool-climate vineyards. The wines include Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.
Dragon’s Hollow, Ningxia, China: This is a winery located in the Ningxia region of China, which is known for its high-altitude vineyards and dry climate. The wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Rosé.
Dragon’s Vineyard and Wine Company, Oregon: “Dragon’s Vineyard wines are the realized dream of Trudy Salerno. She makes Pinot Noir and Rosé of Pinot Noir from her 2 acre vineyard in Monroe, Oregon, and offers a semi-sweet Riesling and a French-style Chardonnay.” (Dragon’s Vineyard and Wine Company). Quite a beautiful label!
Dragon Glass Winery, North Carolina: makes wine from a mix of Muscadine, Carlos, and Noble grapes.
Domaine du Dragon, Cotes de Provence, France: produces two rosé wines. A Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault blend. Available in Ontario.
