Photo credit: carolinas.eater.com
In a quaint corner near Savannah’s Crawford Square, E-Tang, a Chinese restaurant, shares a unique bond with Limestone Wines, a wine store. The partnership between the two establishments is rooted in shared history and mutual support. David Xin, the proprietor of E-Tang, was Limestone’s inaugural customer, while Jamie Crotts, the owner of Limestone, relied heavily on E-Tang’s dishes, predominantly enjoying their xiao long bao and Sichuan beef noodles. Nowadays, Crotts visits E-Tang for meals about three times a week, confidently pairing wines from Limestone with dishes, particularly during celebratory periods like the Lunar New Year.
E-Tang has expanded to four dining locations, establishing its presence in the local food scene. However, the journey to success was gradual. When E-Tang first introduced its offerings to Savannah in 2021, many patrons found the intense flavors and complex spice profiles of Sichuan cuisine to be an unfamiliar experience. “Initially, business was slow,” Xin recounts, observing that many customers opted for familiar dishes like General Tso chicken and beef with broccoli. The regional palate was still adapting to the innovative flavors presented by Sichuan cuisine.
Today, E-Tang’s customers are becoming more adventurous in their dining choices. Although Xin’s preferred dishes—pork intestines, spicy vegetable platters, and flavorful soups—remain less popular, he notes a significant shift towards trying spicier, more authentic dishes.
This Lunar New Year, diners can elevate their experience at E-Tang by bringing along selections from Limestone Wines, with a nominal corkage fee of $10, perfectly complementing the vibrant Sichuan dishes.
Essential Wine Pairings for E-Tang’s Cuisine
The complexity of Chinese culinary traditions presents a rewarding challenge for wine pairing. To welcome the Year of the Wood Snake, here are recommended wine pairings for some of E-Tang’s standout dishes, curated by Crotts and Limestone managing partner Hunter Jones.
Pork Soup Dumplings
Grosjean “Vigne Tzeriat” 2022
Region: Valle d’Aosta, Northern Italy
Grape: Pinot Noir
Why it works:
“Dumplings symbolize New Year celebrations in China,” Xin notes, as E-Tang meticulously prepares its soup dumplings from scratch each day. Crotts recommends a cool-climate pinot noir from Northern Italy to accompany pork xiao long bao. “The wine’s earthy and savory notes align with the pork, while its acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup. The gentle tannins also enhance the overall mouthfeel, supporting the dumplings without overwhelming their delicate flavor.”
Chili Oil Wontons & Garlic Cucumbers
Eva Fricke “Kiedrich” 2022 Riesling
Region: Rheingau, Germany
Why it works:
This dynamic pairing of spicy chili oil wontons with crisp garlic cucumbers offers a medley of flavor experiences. Crotts explains that Riesling has gained popularity for its effectiveness in balancing bold Chinese flavors. “A slightly sweet Riesling acts as a buffer against the heat and spice, while the chosen dry variant still showcases vibrant fruit elements that harmonize beautifully with the heat, enhancing the overall dining experience.”
Fish Filet in Pickled Cabbage Soup
Venus la Universal “Dido” Blanco 2022
Region: Montsant, Spain
Grape: Macabeu, Garnatxa Blanca, Cartoixia
Why it works:
The understated complexity of E-Tang’s fish filet in pickled cabbage soup makes it a hidden gem among the offerings. With the dish’s kaleidoscope of flavors from Sichuan peppercorns and ginger, Crotts recommends this delicate Spanish white blend, which focuses on non-fruit flavors. “This wine’s purity is an excellent match for the dish, enhancing its layered profile while bringing forth savory and earthy nuances.”
Crispy Spicy (Sichuan) Chicken and Stir Fried String Beans
Filipa Pato “3B” Blanc de Blance Brut Nature
Region: Bairrada, Portugal
Grape: Bical, Cercial, Maria Gomes
Why it works:
This dish offers a creative spin on the classic pairing of champagne and fried chicken. Crotts highlights the need for an exquisite wine that matches the intricate flavors brought forth by Sichuan chili oil. The Filipa Pato sparkling wine brings a lively personality and vibrant acidity that both complements the spice and enhances the crispy texture of the chicken, providing an enjoyable balance.
Beijing Duck
Crane Creek Vineyards “Hellbender” 2023
Region: Upper Hiwassee Highlands, GA
Grape: Norton, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin
Why it works:
A staple during Lunar New Year festivities, Beijing Duck is celebrated for its tender meat paired with crispy skin and served with sweet bean sauce. Crotts notes that this dish yearns for a well-structured, elegant red wine. “The blend containing Cabernet Franc adds a subtly tannic structure, while the other varietals contribute a lively yet refined fruit quality that complements the richness of the duck,” he emphasizes.
Source
carolinas.eater.com