A detailed introduction to Baijiu (White Wine) | In-depth explanation by Hong Kong editor

Baijiu (white wine) is fermented from grapes with lighter skins or grapes that have been peeled. Its refreshing aroma and refreshing flavor make it a favorite pre-dinner appetizer or summertime cool-off for Hong Kongers. Whether it's Chinese or Western cuisine, baijiu is a popular pairing with seafood, salads, and light appetizers. Follow our editor for a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of baijiu's origins, key grape varieties, classic production areas, its delicate flavors, drinking tips, health tips, and local recommendations—become a local baijiu expert! 🍷🍏🍋🌟

Principles of white winemaking

Baijiu is typically made from white grapes (or decolorized black grapes), which are pressed and peeled. The fermentation process avoids prolonged contact with the grape skins, resulting in a lighter color. The relatively low fermentation temperature preserves the fruity and floral aromas. Baijiu is widely produced in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and is readily available in major supermarkets, liquor stores, and restaurants in Hong Kong.

Characteristics of main white wine varieties

• Chardonnay

  • The world's most representative white wine grape variety

  • There are famous products from Burgundy, France, California, and Australia.

  • Aromas of green apple, citrus, tropical fruit, cream, nuts, and some toasted notes from oak barrel aging

  • It can be light and dry or thick and rich, suitable for all kinds of seafood, chicken, and cream sauce dishes

• Sauvignon Blanc

  • Bordeaux, France, and Marlborough, New Zealand are famous for their wines.

  • The taste is sour and crisp, with flavors of grass, citrus, and aloe vera. It is refreshing and appetizing in summer.

  • Suitable for salads, sashimi, vegetables, Thai dishes and Thai stir-fry, etc.

• Riesling

  • Germany, Alsace, France, and Clare Valley, Australia are rich in

  • The aroma is rich, with floral, honey, and apple aromas, ranging from dry to sweet.

  • Suitable for Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy Chinese dishes or desserts

• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio

  • French and Italian mainstream varieties

  • With the aroma of lime, peach and pear, the Italian style is drier and the French style is thicker and smoother.

  • Ideal with light seafood or oysters

• Gewürztraminer

  • With lychee, rose, sweet and spicy aromas, it is very suitable for accompanying Chinese dishes or as an aperitif.

Main styles of liquor

• Dry White

  • Low in sugar, fresh and refreshing, suitable for accompanying meals

• Medium/Semi-sweet

  • It is smoother on the palate and suitable for those who prefer a slightly sweet taste.

• Sweet

  • Made from grapes infected with noble rot or picked late, it has a rich aroma of honey and apricots and is suitable for desserts.

Drinking Tips and Food Pairing Suggestions

• Serving temperature : 7-12°C is recommended, and the wine should be chilled enough to stimulate the appetite before drinking.

• Food and wine pairing : White wine goes well with seafood (shrimp, crab, fish), salads, white meats, cream or citrus sauces

• How to decant : Most liquors can be drunk right after opening. If the liquor is thicker, it can be decanted for a while.

• Cup type selection : wide-mouthed champagne glasses or professional white wine glasses are more likely to release aroma.

• Storage : Store in a cool, dark place. Unopened bottles can be stored for 1-3 years. Sweet liquor can be stored even longer.

Health Benefits of Liquor

• High in vitamins and polyphenols, which help with antioxidants

• A small amount can promote cardiovascular health and aid digestion

• Compared with red wine, it has lower tannins and is easier to get started.

2025 Hong Kong Popular Baijiu Recommendation List

• Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) : Signature grassy citrus aroma, refreshing and pleasant

• Chablis Chardonnay (France) : Mineral-rich, perfect with oysters

• Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio (Australia) : Rich in fruit, easy to drink

• Moscato (Italy): A sweet white wine with a distinct floral and fruity aroma, perfect for young girls

• German Riesling : Available in dry or semi-sweet styles, with a distinctive aroma.

Editor's summary💡

Baijiu is refreshing and easy to drink, perfect for pairing with Hong Kong's diverse cuisine! From dry to sweet, with aromas ranging from fruity to floral, each one has its own unique flavor. Beginners can start with award-winning or reputable supermarket brands—they're affordable and a must-have for parties, after-work, and travel. Enjoy life with a glass of white wine! Cheers! 🍷🍋🥂# Baijiu (White Wine) Details | Hong Kong Editor's In-Depth Guide

Baijiu (white wine) is a classic favorite at Hong Kong dinner tables, parties, and get-togethers. It pairs well with everything from Chinese and Western cuisine to appetizers and desserts! Baijiu boasts a rich, refreshing, and complex flavor profile, while serving it chilled adds a touch of ritual. This editor has meticulously explained the origins of white wine, its main varieties, production areas, flavors, health benefits, and tips from Hong Kong locals—essential knowledge for anyone in the wine industry! 🍷🍑🍏🥂

Basic information and characteristics of liquor

• Brewing principle : Baijiu is made from white grapes or unpigmented black grapes, which are squeezed and peeled and fermented directly. The color is lighter yellow and more transparent, retaining the most fruity aroma and refreshing taste.

• Aroma characteristics : Common aromas include apple, pear, citrus, floral, tropical fruit, etc. Some varieties also have honey, nuts, and cream flavors;

• The taste is varied : from bone-dry to sweet and rich, depending on the variety and origin, suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced gourmets;

• Common Serving Temperature : Usually recommended to be served chilled at 7-12°C, as this allows for the aromas to be released most easily and is also the most appetizing.

• Food pairing : Seafood, Chinese food, cheese, salad, Japanese and Korean food, and desserts are all easy to pair with. It will not overpower the taste of other foods and will bring out the freshness of the ingredients.

The world's mainstream liquor varieties

• Chardonnay

  • The world's most representative white wine

  • Burgundy in France, California in the United States, Australia, and Chile all have famous wines.

  • The flavors range from green apple, lemon, citrus to coconut and vanilla (depending on the origin and barrel aging).

• Sauvignon Blanc

  • Representatives from New Zealand (Cloudy Bay), Bordeaux, France, and the Loire Valley

  • The taste is crisp, with a strong grassy aroma, and has fresh flavors such as green pepper, vanilla, mint, and citrus.

• Riesling

  • Germany, Alsace, France, Australia

  • High acidity, sweetness ranging from dry to sweet, with floral, peach, honey, and green apple aromas, perfect for iced drinks in the summer

• Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

  • Two major schools: French and Italian

  • French full-bodied wine, Italian refreshing dry wine (peach, pear, slightly floral aroma)

• Gewürztraminer

  • With rich tropical fruit aromas such as lychee, rose, and cardamom, it is suitable for Chinese food or desserts

• Semillon/Moscato, etc .: Representative of sweet wine, the best choice for young girls and beginners, with rich floral and fruity aromas and a sweet taste.

Style classification (Dry / Semi-sweet / Sweet)

• Bone-dry : strong acidity and crisp taste (suitable for oysters and sushi)

• Semi-dry-semi-sweet : Rich in fruity flavor, a good choice for Asian dishes, Thai dishes, and salads

• Sweet : used as an after-meal dessert wine, with concentrated fruity and honey aroma, it is a great wine to accompany desserts.

Hong Kong Style Drinking Tips & Health Benefits

• It is recommended for beginners to first choose Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, etc., which is the safest

• Low tannins make it easier to pair with dishes without astringency

• A moderate amount of liquor contains antioxidants and polyphenols, which help maintain blood vessel health and promote digestion.

• Easier to drink than red wine, no need to worry about sweating or being overheated

• Hong Kong supermarkets offer a wide range of prices and choices, allowing you to shop and drink with confidence.

2025 Hong Kong Must-Drink Recommendations

• Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand): Classic grassy + tropical fruit freshness

• Chablis/Bourgogne Chardonnay (France): Mineral-flavored, perfect with seafood/oysters

• Riesling (Germany): Floral + green apple + honey, suitable for both young women and gourmets

• Moscato (Italy): Sweet and easy to drink, a party and girly choice

• Australian Yellow Tail (Pinot Grigio): Fresh and not too sweet or greasy

Editor's summary💡

Baijiu is complex, refreshing, elegant, and healthy, perfect for both beginners and advanced drinkers alike. With so much East-West fusion cuisine in Hong Kong, a glass of Baijiu that suits your palate can instantly elevate your dinner to the next level! For your next party, date, or happy hour after work, why not grab a nice white wine and enjoy the relaxed, tipsy feeling? 🍷🍋🥂