Perfect Match
How did Singapore fried noodles get its name? You can find the dish on Chinese menus everywhere - except in the Lion City. The essence of this serving is the fragrant curry, but the many spices in the curry mix need a wine to bring them together. A wine with textural richness and a rounded mouth sensation will also extend the texture of the noodles. The following wines have a balanced, dry fruitiness.
Macon Villages, Le Chamville 2003, Bouchard, Burgundy, France
The quality of wines from Macon Villages in southern Burgundy can be hit and miss. There also are super-Burgundy producers aiming to make high-quality wines from this appellation - the most successful being Domaine Lafond. This Bouchard Macon Villages is full of fragrant and slightly citrus-flavoured chardonnay. It's lightly oaked to show the prime fruit. The palate is full and silky with plenty of richness to bind together the spices in the noodles. The wine ends with a refreshing acidity that's cleansing on the palate.
Available for $128 from Jebsen (tel: 2923 8777)
Chardonnay, Cloudy Bay 2003, Marlborough, New Zealand
The name Cloudy Bay is now synonymous with
sauvignon blanc and New Zealand. One wonders where the country would be today if Cloudy Bay hadn't launched what was at the time an unusual grape from a little known wine region. This chardonnay is classy, rich in fruit and complex. It's finely balanced and yet easy to appreciate, tasting of fresh melon, ripe peaches and some citrus freshness. It complements and balances the Singapore fried noodles with a good dollop of natural acidity and savoury oak. You can also try this wine with Hainanese chicken rice.
Available for $318 from Riche Monde (tel: 2976 1888)
Riesling, Grand Cru Schlossberg 2003, Domaine Weinbach, Alsace, France
French grand crus are supposed to represent outstanding quality. However, this is seldom the case in the relaxed vineyard classification in Alsace - so much so that many highly reputable growers would rather trade on their reputation than promote the little known and varied quality of these grand crus. Schlossberg is one of the
more reliable Alsace grand crus. The Domaine Weinbach winery is noble and historic, its entire range of wines being highly sought after and accurately reflecting the taste and origin of the grape. This wine is rich and fragrant with good depth. It shines and brings a new dimension to Singapore fried noodles. Try it also with the island nation's signature dish, chilli crab.
Available for $260 from Topsy Trading (tel: 2556 8268)
