Dam Duc Vu

Much like fashion, wine is a constantly changing world limited only by your imagination.

Hunting for rare wines 

Similar to the way in which limited editions of watches, handbags or other fashion items are sought after, rare bottles of wine are also objects of desire. The hunting of wine can be as intense as the pursuit of the latest haute couture collection from Chanel, Dior or Jean Paul Gaultier.

Wine pairings

If the mix-and-match style creates bold fashion statements, pairing wine with food can also take you on an exciting adventure. Michael W. Michalak, the former United States Ambassador to Vietnam and a Vietnamese cuisine lover, often organizes wine parties that serve both Eastern and Western cuisine. “Vietnam is rich in delicious dishes which are great if they are paired with American wine,” he said. “I enjoy savoring a glass of Washington Chardonnay with spring rolls. Pairing California’s Cabernet Sauvignon fermented in oak barrels with Bun bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup) is another excellent choice. And I particularly like eating stir-fried beef with pineapple along with an Oregon Pinot Noir. It’s not a complicated combination but can make for a perfect meal”.

Vietnamese dishes use a diverse range of ingredients, from herbs such as basil, mint, lemongrass and dill to spices such as ginger, saffron, citronella and chili. Certain wines pair well to reduce the level of spiciness and blend the diverse flavors. White wines that go well with many Vietnamese flavors include Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Semillon, Riesling and Pouilly-Fuissé. Italian red wines such as Barolo, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Amarone and wines from France and the New World including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Malbec also pair nicely. 

Traveling with wine 

In the world of fashion, what you wear goes hand in hand with where you wear it. And when enjoying wine, location is also a key part of your experience. Imagine wandering around Christmas markets in Germany on winter days, marveling at colorful booths and stopping for a glass of vin chaud to warm up.

Or picture sitting at the prow of the ship, drinking champagne while the setting sun casts its rays on the glittering bubbles, or savoring a dark, velvety Pinot Noir under the moonlight. In wine, as in fashion, the possibilities are endless.