Soy goose wings are a delicious treat from Chinese roast meat shops and places specialising in Chiu Chow cuisine. The wings, simmered in a complex master sauce, are rich in flavour and have a succulent, sometimes chewy, texture. They're usually served at room temperature, either as a snack or as part of a meal.
The best wine to pair with soy goose wings needs deep fruit and warm notes to handle the deeply flavoured master stock. It also needs to offer some relief to the goose wing's resistant texture.
The following roses offer good pairing with the wings, and are suitable for the warmer weather.
Woodstock Grenache Rose 2007, McLaren Vale, South Australia
The Woodstock winery, set in South Australia's gently rolling McLaren Hills, is an icon not just for the region but for the country. These wines have won numerous medals and are as true to the soil as to the winemaker, Scott Collett. This grenache rose is made from one of the region's best grapes - it's fruity without being sweet. The wine has tones of berries and some light floral characters that are reminiscent of roses. It's a perfect match with soy goose wings. The wine's rich berry flavours sit happily next to the brown spices in the master stock. There is a lot of flavour richness that massages the goose wings' textural richness. Serve the rose chilled but not cold and the temperature will further link the combination. The vague tannins also add to the dish's richness.
Available for HK$108 from Kedington (tel: 2898 9323)
Mateus Rose, Douro, Portugal